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A review by tintin_loves_books
Chokher Bali by Rabindranath Tagore
3.0
Commencing on the backdrop of Calcutta during the era of British India, we come across an Indian household leading a simple life, as it would seem at the very beginning. Mahendra, the spoilt endearing son of a widowed mother who is over-affectionate over him. He is bought up in an affluent household and loves to be the center of attention.
Asha, short for Ashalata, is Mahendra’s wife and Annapurna, Mahendra’s widowed aunt’s niece. She is a naïve girl, young and in love with her husband. She trusts everyone and is, at first, portrayed as a rather easy-going and weak character, quite opposite to her husband, who is sort of hard-headed.
The two characters share a loving bond at the beginning of their married life. These two characters are also accompanied by Bihari, who even though being Mahendra’s best friend is really different from him. He is understanding, compassionate and has a fair sense of justice. He has every of that good quality that is lacking in Mahendra. Out of the two, he is more likable, influential and intellectual.
The story takes a big turn when Binodini enters the life of the trio. She was once earlier set to marry Mahendra and later Bihari but was discarded by both. Out of all the characters, she holds the most complicated stand. She could be loved yet hated at the same time. Her character is one of substance and importance. Widowed within one year of being married, she is attracted to the loving married life of Asha and Mahendra and evidently wants it for herself. She has a contrasting sense of character within herself. She is the main female protagonist and rightfully so, she manages to ascertain her positions as such.
‘Chokher Bali’ or ‘the mote in the eye’ is rightfully named, everyone being an eyesore to the other at one point or the other in the story. This story is a mixture of love, hate, resentment, mistrust, adultery and a fine depiction of the Calcutta of British era. The story advanced in the most beautiful manner but at some points, it set upon a monotonous note and seemed to lose the touch of interest. Having read the translated version, the true essence of the story appeared lost at parts. Scenes seemed incomplete at times.
The story is a masterpiece owning to the captured feel of the old era. The dialogues are intense and poetic, even carrying with it a bit of subtle humor. Binodini and Bihari’s conversations are shared with the utmost intensity and feel. There are many such issues which appear relatable to even this day. Some of the customs went through noticeable changes, like ‘Aakadashi’ which was earlier a ritual followed only by the widows is now a routine for the married, as well. The similar factors faced by most Indian households, especially Bengali, is accurate. The tussle between the mother and Kakima, the mother and her daughter-in-law in regards to her son, everything is on point. This novel without a doubt was indeed way ahead of its time.
The character most cherished was perhaps Binodini. She was such a strong female lead, being convent educated, she was already ahead of her time. When the girls of her age knew not how to read or write, she could converse as well. She was a relatable character and appeared more real. Her thoughts were deep and profound, something that indicates a person’s strength. Being a person of perfect qualities and beauty, it was not wrong for her to think- Mahendra deserved her and not the simpleton Asha. Even though, Bihari and Binodini’s link was more interesting. She was a person of strong moral character, although wavered at one point, her later decisions convey the statement. Her negative role didn’t appear negative enough, as somehow her reactions were well understood. The resentment, envy, and desires she faced while being with Mahendra and Asha was something completely normal.
The side characters like the two elderly woman, Annapurna and Rajalakshmi were portrayed in the natural and real light as well. All in all, they were unique and firmly placed in the rightful scenarios. The plotline reflected Tagore’s one of the best works. Even so, the end of the story wasn’t as great as it should have been, something even Tagore regretted in his days.
‘Chokher Bali’ is thus an amazing read and for all avid reader of any age. It is bound to capture your attention and seek your judgments. The concept was perfectly new and daring for those times. The plight of the widows, lets us know the distance we have traveled since then. There is a familiar feel to it. Something of usual and homely nature.
The movie version of this book directed by Rituporna Ghosh is as beautiful as the book itself. For literary fans, this book is surely a must read. It explored places, the people of those times couldn’t have imagined.
Asha, short for Ashalata, is Mahendra’s wife and Annapurna, Mahendra’s widowed aunt’s niece. She is a naïve girl, young and in love with her husband. She trusts everyone and is, at first, portrayed as a rather easy-going and weak character, quite opposite to her husband, who is sort of hard-headed.
The two characters share a loving bond at the beginning of their married life. These two characters are also accompanied by Bihari, who even though being Mahendra’s best friend is really different from him. He is understanding, compassionate and has a fair sense of justice. He has every of that good quality that is lacking in Mahendra. Out of the two, he is more likable, influential and intellectual.
The story takes a big turn when Binodini enters the life of the trio. She was once earlier set to marry Mahendra and later Bihari but was discarded by both. Out of all the characters, she holds the most complicated stand. She could be loved yet hated at the same time. Her character is one of substance and importance. Widowed within one year of being married, she is attracted to the loving married life of Asha and Mahendra and evidently wants it for herself. She has a contrasting sense of character within herself. She is the main female protagonist and rightfully so, she manages to ascertain her positions as such.
‘Chokher Bali’ or ‘the mote in the eye’ is rightfully named, everyone being an eyesore to the other at one point or the other in the story. This story is a mixture of love, hate, resentment, mistrust, adultery and a fine depiction of the Calcutta of British era. The story advanced in the most beautiful manner but at some points, it set upon a monotonous note and seemed to lose the touch of interest. Having read the translated version, the true essence of the story appeared lost at parts. Scenes seemed incomplete at times.
The story is a masterpiece owning to the captured feel of the old era. The dialogues are intense and poetic, even carrying with it a bit of subtle humor. Binodini and Bihari’s conversations are shared with the utmost intensity and feel. There are many such issues which appear relatable to even this day. Some of the customs went through noticeable changes, like ‘Aakadashi’ which was earlier a ritual followed only by the widows is now a routine for the married, as well. The similar factors faced by most Indian households, especially Bengali, is accurate. The tussle between the mother and Kakima, the mother and her daughter-in-law in regards to her son, everything is on point. This novel without a doubt was indeed way ahead of its time.
The character most cherished was perhaps Binodini. She was such a strong female lead, being convent educated, she was already ahead of her time. When the girls of her age knew not how to read or write, she could converse as well. She was a relatable character and appeared more real. Her thoughts were deep and profound, something that indicates a person’s strength. Being a person of perfect qualities and beauty, it was not wrong for her to think- Mahendra deserved her and not the simpleton Asha. Even though, Bihari and Binodini’s link was more interesting. She was a person of strong moral character, although wavered at one point, her later decisions convey the statement. Her negative role didn’t appear negative enough, as somehow her reactions were well understood. The resentment, envy, and desires she faced while being with Mahendra and Asha was something completely normal.
The side characters like the two elderly woman, Annapurna and Rajalakshmi were portrayed in the natural and real light as well. All in all, they were unique and firmly placed in the rightful scenarios. The plotline reflected Tagore’s one of the best works. Even so, the end of the story wasn’t as great as it should have been, something even Tagore regretted in his days.
‘Chokher Bali’ is thus an amazing read and for all avid reader of any age. It is bound to capture your attention and seek your judgments. The concept was perfectly new and daring for those times. The plight of the widows, lets us know the distance we have traveled since then. There is a familiar feel to it. Something of usual and homely nature.
The movie version of this book directed by Rituporna Ghosh is as beautiful as the book itself. For literary fans, this book is surely a must read. It explored places, the people of those times couldn’t have imagined.