Review on "GORA" by Rabindranath Tagore

                     MY  REVIEW ON "GORA"   

Such profound ideas, clarity in thought, poetic word formations!!!Thats what I say after finishing the novel "GORA",written by Rabindranath Tagore.The protagonist is a stickler of orthodoxy - Hindu orthodoxy, and is so vehement in ensuring its implementation.The one thing that really amazed me was how simple english words were used in the novel to explain complex mood shifts.I have changed from being a Gora to a Binoy to a Paresh babu all through.

Gora is a true Tagore novel, rich in philosophical debate on politics and religion with a deep understanding of human emotions.
A burning topic of social reform in pre-independence era intertwined with the sweet sour love affair of young hearts makes for quite an interesting read.

Gora , the protagonist, is a strong advocate of Hinduism and practices his religion with high regards, thorough conviction and strict austerity. He is a natural leader with exemplary oratory skills, fair and tall stature and a resonating voice. However, his forthrightness and impelling attitude make him seem an arrogant, self-asserting, aggressive and violent person who thrusts his opinions unto others. But Gora at heart is an eternal optimist dreaming about his ideal Bharatvarsha ,a prosperous and happy India, which according to him is achieved by uniting all classes under the large umbrella of Hinduism.As a person he is highly patriotic and sympathetic - cannot stand injustice and high-society atrocities over poor and the downtrodden may it even be Muslim.

His denial of his newly developed feelings for Sucharita and then the slow dawning of role of women in his dream country Bharatvarsha, his hurt when he learns about Binoy’s inclination towards Brahmos, his shock upon knowing the facts relating to his birth, then his aversion to religion/ caste system and his final repentance for forsaking his mother’s feelings in his pursuit etc., have all been beautifully brought forth.This particular character has been etched so very well that you love and hate him both at the same time or constantly keep oscillating between the feelings of repugnance and appreciation.

There is selfevasive Binoy,who is under deep influence of Gora,and comes across as agenuine friend.A good hearted person who cannot consciously hurtanyone or refuse anything in the dilemma of right and wrong.Well this caharacter can be identified as ourselves.He reflects the contradictions and conflicts between heart and brain.

The women in the book are strong in character.They are not shy to express their revolts against famiy or the society.They are powerful and have their own independant thinking.In the novel,Sucharitha and Lolitha are the two important female roles.Lolitha is ahead of her times and had her own point of view.During the course of the story she turns herself from a confused girl to brave realistic person who has no hesitation in accepting her feelings towards Binoy.Sucharita on the other hand maintains her demeanor through out even  while undergoing an dilemma within herself for being attracted to a totally opposite mindset person, Gora.There is lovable Ananadmoyi, a sharp contrast to contriving Barodashundari and Harimohini, belying the difference between liberal Hindus, revolting Brahmos and traditional ritualists.
Each and every character has its own way of contribution to the story and its reflection of the status of the society.

What astonished me after finishing the novel was that the age of Sucharitha.It was rather unlikely.Were the teenagers of those days so developed in intelligence and maturity, were they so proficient in their understandings?What is evident in the entire book is the author's immense knowledge of not only his religion, customs and rituals but also of his knowledge of all the societies existing in that period.My favourite character during the story changed from Gora to Binoy.

No wonder Tagore was considered to be revolutionary!Even the finale is not a definitive end for this novel but only a new beginning of the concept of secularism.Tagore always had a realistic approach towards the intricacies of life, there is hardly a piece of his writing, that I could ever look over.This novel "GORA" makes it all the more important that we as Indians definitely read such books and keep alive our past, our heritage and our pride.