Examining Caste and Dilemma in Perumal Murugan’s Pyre

Abstract

This paper attempts to analyse the depiction of a caste-based prejudiced society as well as the dilemma of the leading protagonists in the novel Pyre, written by Perumal Murugan, an Indian contemporary author who writes in Tamil. In Pyre, he weaves the themes of caste and dilemma explicitly. Kumaresan and Saroja, the protagonists of the story encounter the hostile attitude of the villagers, because of the unidentified caste of Saroja. Marayi, Kumaresan’s mother too has no sympathy for Saroja. The family is excommunicated and is ordered to remain secluded from the rest of the village. This brings a catastrophic end for Saroja. The dilemma of Saroja is also evident from the onset, she is doubtful whether to stay with Kumaresan in the village or go back to her family in Tholur. This paper also discusses the weak protagonists who face the injustice and inhumane attitude of the villagers with no objection.