ISSN: 2360-7831

 International Journal of English Literature and Culture
 

International Journal of English Literature and Culture

Vol. 8(7), pp. 206-210, December 2020

 ISSN: 2360-7831

DOI: 10.14662/IJELC2020.180

Full Length Research

This present paper focuses on the contention of Bapsi Sidhwa’s novel, “Water”, and i.e. “Learn to live like a lotus, untouched by the filthy water it grows in”. This is too idealistic a statement to be interpreted tangibly. Although it is not possible to live in a society full of injustices and prejudices and yet not get influenced by it. But Sidhwa with amazing authority, flair and ease in her novel, shows that whatever the circumstances are, the most important thing sustaining human existence is optimism, hope and “adamant” courage. Throughout this exquisite piece of writing the focus is mainly upon the strength of character with a tinge of determination. Bapsi Sidhwa through her spokesperson Chuya, speaks the world of enigmatic personalities; who notwithstanding harshest of human conditions emerge out pure and clean. She is the emblem of inherent feminine strength. Chuya, a “diminutive doll,” is a real victim of unthinking adherence to tradition. She is the symbol of change for all the widows living in the Ashram. These widows have accepted their degraded traditional status by remaining silent. They are living beings but with dead souls. Our paper is more concerned with Chuya’s question: “Where is the Ashram for men Widows?” She questions the authority of so-called male society. She questions the one –sided decadent values and customs, aimed at weaker faction of the socio-cultural order. Here remaining “untouched” is realistically unrealistic.

Key Words: Water, Contention, determination, hope, injustices, socio-cultural.

Cite This Article As: Chaudhary S., Bokhari, S.S.S (2020). “Learn to Live Like a Lotus Untouched by the Filthy Water It Grows in” – A Study of Contention in Bapsi Sidhwa’s novel “Water”. Inter. J. Eng. Lit. Cult. 8(7):206-210