In Aravind Adiga's "The White Tiger," the story follows the journey of Balram Halwai, a
poor driver who becomes an entrepreneur through cunning and deceit. Chapters 6 through 8
explore Balram's experience working for the wealthy Stork family] and the corrupt practices
he witnesses in the upper echelons of society. Throughout these chapters, Adiga employs
various literary devices to convey the themes of class struggle, corruption, and power.
One of the most prominent literary devices used by Adiga in these chapters is imagery. In
chapter 6, Balram describes the road to the Stork family's village as "the path of darkness."
This imagery creates a sense of foreboding and danger, foreshadowing the corruption and
moral decay that Balram will encounter in the village. The road's darkness also represents the
lack of transparency and the hidden agendas of the wealthy elite. In contrast, Balram
describes his own village as "the light of the world." This imagery highlights the hope and
optimism that Balram associates with his home and the potential for upward mobility in his
life.
Adiga also employs irony throughout these chapters to critique the societal structures that
oppress the poor. In chapter 6, Balram observes the Stork family's wealth and extravagance,
including their marble bathroom floors and gold-plated fixtures. He notes that the family has
a bathroom for every member, including the children, while many in his own village do not
have access to basic sanitation facilities. This irony highlights the stark contrast between the
lifestyles of the wealthy and the poor, and the unfairness of a system that perpetuates such
inequality.
Symbolism is another literary device used by Adiga in these chapters. In chapter 7, Balram
describes a large portrait of the Stork family's patriarch, Mr. Ashok, as "a painting that could
trap a soul." The portrait symbolizes the power and influence that Mr. Ashok wields over his
family and those who work for him. It also serves as a reminder of the Stork family's wealth
and status, which Balram views as unattainable for someone of his social standing.
Additionally, the portrait's ability to "trap a soul" suggests the suffocating and inescapable
nature of the caste system and societal norms that restrict upward mobility for the poor.
Adiga also employs foreshadowing to build tension and suspense in these chapters. In
chapter 7, Balram overhears a conversation between Mr. Ashok and his brother, where they
discuss a potential business deal involving bribes and kickbacks. Balram realizes that this
deal is illegal and could have severe consequences if discovered. The foreshadowing of the
deal's potential consequences builds tension and sets up the later events of the novel, where
Balram's involvement in the deal leads to a significant turning point in his journey.
Throughout these chapters, Adiga also employs the use of dialogue to develop character and
convey themes. In chapter 8, Balram has a conversation with his fellow driver, Ram Persad,
about the state of their lives and their opportunities for success. Ram Persad laments his lack
of education and believes that it is a barrier to his success, while Balram argues that
education is not necessary for success, citing his own experience. This conversation
highlights the theme of social mobility and the different paths that individuals can take to
achieve success, as well as the importance of self-determination and agency in creating one's
own destiny.
Adiga also employs the use of irony and satire to critique the corrupt practices of the wealthy
elite. In chapter 8, Balram attends a wedding in the Stork family's village and witnesses the
excessive wealth and extravagance on display. He notes the wastefulness of the food and
decorations, as well as the entitlement of the guests, who seem to view the wedding as a way
to flaunt their wealth and status. Adiga uses this scene to satirize the excesses of the upper
class and their lack of concern for the poverty and suffering of the lower classes. The scene
also highlights the way in which the wealthy elite use their power and influence to maintain
their position of privilege and perpetuate the inequalities of the caste system.
In conclusion, chapters 6 through 8 of "The White Tiger" use a variety of literary devices to
convey the themes of class struggle, corruption, and power. Adiga employs imagery, irony,
symbolism, foreshadowing, dialogue, and satire to develop the plot and characters, as well
as to critique the societal structures that oppress the poor. Through these literary devices,
Adiga creates a vivid and engaging narrative that challenges readers to question the morality
of a system that allows such stark inequality to exist. The novel's exploration of these themes
and its use of literary devices make it a powerful critique of Indian society and a compelling
commentary on the nature of power and corruption.