Novels, Novelists and Social Change

Novels, Novelists and Social Change
A Sociological Analysis

University of Rajasthan, Jaipur

Art, such as literature, is not created in a vacuum. It is the endeavour not simply of any person, but of a creative writer, living in a particular time and space, and responding to a community, of which be is an important and articulate participant. The relation between literature and society is reciprocal. But serve as cause and effect to each other.

“The social determinants of an artistic creation,” as Lukacs says, “depend upon the degree to which the writers are bound up with the life of the community, to the extent they take part in the struggle going on around them or their merely passive observation of the events”.¹

Of all the literary forms, the novel is a more socially conditioned form of writing than any other genre. It intends to be an exact picture of the society of the day. Therefore, the study of the novel, from the sociological point of view, may be said to be significant. The sociology of novel shows a deeper and more important concern for society. If this is not taken into account, the utility of the novel as a means of developing sociological inquiry, is deprived of the greater part of its interest. The deep affinity between society, noveland the novelist can be brought into use as a means of sociological research, by relating the content of the text to the society and its social structure.

The relation between society and literature has been studied by historians and critics. They generally assume that a correlation exists and could also be found out in the moments of change, but they have not paid much attention, as to how the social processes enter into literary creations. The sociological interpretation of the novel elucidates the picture of contemporary life as depicted in the novel, and also tries to know, how far the literary account is helpful in anticipating new dimensions of social change.

In order to establish a correlation between the novels, the novelists and the society, I have studied ten novels through content analysis. The selection of the novels is based on the reputational method of sampling which takes into account ten social novels of Hindi literature. These novels, authored by ten established novelists, have been awarded either by literary academies or by Central or State Governments. Though, all the ten novels have been written after Independence in India, they deal with the period running from the British age to the present times in India. The selected novels are: (1) Bhule Bisere Chitra by Bhagwati Charan Verma; (2) Amrit Aur Vish by Amrit La1 Nagar; (3) Kab Tak Pukaroon by Rangeya Raghava; (4) Meri, Teri, Uski Baat by Yashpal; (5) Alag Alag Vaiterny by Shiv Prasad Singh; (6) Tamas by Bhishma Sahani; (7) Rag Durbari by Shri Lal Shukla; (8) Muktibodh by Jainendra Kumar; (9) Man Vrindavan by Lakshmi Narayan Lal; (10) Bimar Shahar by Rajendra Awasthi.

This investigation tries to perceive the fundamental value pattern existing in the society, through the novels. What is important to a sociologist, who studies literature, is the discovery and isolation of the implicit attitudes of the novelist, the general assumptions on which the behaviour of the characters is based, the treatment of the situations of plot, and the thematic approach of the novel. A still more important question that concerns the sociologist is to know, how far, the present trends in the Indian literature emerging at various levels and directions are keeping pace with the changing socio-economic and political conditions in India.

Novelists’ Writings Serve as an Instrument of Social Change

The writer can play a vital and effective role in the presentation of culture, and in the reconstruction of society by expressing and depicting the thoughts, ideologies which would speak of new values. The Hindi novelists are not mere mouthpiece for ideas and thoughts. Their writings are not created in a vacuum. They are the outcome of sensitive minds and, therefore, there is a deeper involvement in projecting the movement of society in its varied forms.

The Hindi novelists, by presenting new progressive, rational and scienlific values, the values of freedom and equality, are trying to induce awareness in the society. They have depicted the deteriorating condition of the country, the oppressive system of the society, the condition of man as a social being and as a private individual, who in both cases, apparently seems to be adjusted and well equipped, but is actually exploited and oppressed. Eventually he turns into an alienated, isolated and frustrated individual. The novelists, through their writings, want to change this condition of man and his surroundings and therefore have induced revolutionary ideas and ideologies in their writings. They have tried to project the revolutionary ideologies through the younger generation, because they feel that, it is the young blood the progressive mind which would be able to do away with the old, outdated traditions, which have become meaningless and which are disorganizing the social set-up. The Hindi novelists, through their writings, are making an effort to educate people, in order to change the social framework, and replace it by a new and meaningful one; which would be appropriate to the progressive, rational and scientific outlook of the people. The authors deliberate the idea of change through the younger generation, but at the same time also show that their efforts do not always meet with success. But the very concept of bringing about change against inexorable odds reaffirms the author’s optimism, and it is this hope that the creative younger generation symbolises.

By projecting the ideology of “total humanism”, as their sense of conviction, the novelists present their ultimate test of work which would bring about a transformation in the right direction to suit the culture-wide purposes (ideals and aspirations). The writings depicting the social transformation, through the revolutionary ideologies, through the progressive generations, are attempting to convince that sometimes human society remains undisturbed but the culture changes (e. g., the tastes, attitudes, aspirations, ideologies and outlook). Sometimes the institutional values remain rigid, but the younger and progressive generation moves away to construct new values to bring about radical changes in society.

The Hindi novelists under review are thus committed writers, who, while projecting existing social conditions, provide a new framework, ideology, ethos and world view, to create a new social consciousness in the minds of their readers.

They have mainly dealt with the common man, his problems in the society. The writers have the courage to witness faithfully what is happening in the society. By presenting new values of freedom and equality, the novelists have tried to make people realize the need to give the masses security and the courage to fight divisiveness, thus bringing about national integration in the country. They can be said to have been able to sum up the miseries, ironies, needs, fears, hopes and aspirations of the people of the contemporary society in their writings, which leave a deep imprint on the minds of the readers–and provoke them to bring further transformation in the country. Thus, they are committed to the task of giving direction of change to the elites, leaders, youth and the common masses in the country.

Novelists Exert Influence on Elites, Intellectuals and Revolutionaries

The novelists exert influence directly and, indirectly. They exert influence on the elites, intellectuals and the revolutionaries who become leaders, and prove instrumental in social and thus bring change in the society.

The Hindi novelists highlight various problems with regard tothe socio-economic and political institutions in the Indian society. In the institution of marriage are included the linked problems of spending unlimited money to maintain a facade of pomp and show, problems related to child marriage which have miserable repercussions on the life-style of the people of rural and urban social order and that of sex existing as a disastrous and pathological force, which disintegrates the personality of people. The novelists while measuring the status of women in society reveal the narrow outlook of people, the pitiable, subservient state of woman and her eternal slavery. In the patriarchal social set-up, the woman is insecure in the absence of man, and is inferior to him in his presence.

In the familial relations, the authors depict the authoritarian values existing in the families. They also project the segregation prevailing among people–as high and low, the laws of pollution and purity, the social exploitation and oppression of those who belong to the lowest rank in the hierarchical ladder. Caste consciousness is found to be very strong in the villages, despite the political awakening. Not only the people from higher caste but the lower caste people too are very conscious in accepting their inferior status as their fate (karma), and keep themselves aloof. By depicting the different kinds of alienation existing both amongst the urban as well as rural dwellers–the estrangement, uprootedness–being felt by a community against social, economic and political institutions, an isolated man pitted against another man engaged in a helpless quest for his own identity, the authors want to bring home to the readers, the existing reality in the Indian social set-up.

In the educational field, they show that formal education has not brought much awakening among the masses. They reveal the corruption, lack of discipline and morality in the existing educational institutions, especially in the villages. This lack of morality and discipline stunts the personality of the student. The writers condemn the dirty politics permeating the educational institutions. Writing about the youth in India, the authors indicate towards generation gap as the conspicuous cause of frustration among them. It is this that gives rise to the feeling of alienation in them.

In the economic field, the novelists talk of the problems of exploitation and oppression. It is not only the rich landlords, but also the middle class landowners (who tend to adopt the tactics of the rich landlords) who indulge in it. Privileges to certain higher groups of people, e. g., capitalists, landlords, businessmen and factory owners have resulted in the birth of the problems of poverty, indebtedness and unemployment in the country. Corruption, manipulation and other malpractices have become common practices not only with the upper class but also with the middleclass–both in the rural and urban socio-economic order.

In the political arena, the Writers have depicted the exploitation of the common man by both the British and feudals in India. In the contemporary society, the dominant sections of the society confiscate the lands of the poor by forged and false documents. There was a lack of collective consciousness among the people, due to the British policy of factionalism. The dual power structure after the Independence has also created problems, specially in the villages. The leadership rests with people, both educated and uneducated, by means of manipulation and physical force. Factional rivalry and litigations have become the unvarying constants of rural life. The authors also project Gandhi’s leadership as a means of bringing about general awakening among the people. They talk of different Kisan movements in the Villages. They also depict protest against injustice, by the poor and the downtrodden, both in the British regime and after Independence. In the midst of colonial oppression the leadership of Gandhi and other Congress workers started creating a deep imprint on the masses, which evoked national feeling among the people of India, both before and after Independence. There was a general awakening among the people from all walks of life. The freedom fighting spirit of Gandhi and others gave rise to different social, economic and political movements, such as protest against untouchability, caste and creed, boycott of foreign goods, non-co-operative movements, etc.

The novelists have also discussed the role of election, which divides people into castes and factions and proves that castes and factions have become inevitable forces to the divisiveness in Indian politics. Political enlightenment in the villages on the one hand leads the villagers to some extent on a wrong footing of corruption and manipulation, on the other hand there are people who remain absolutely ignorant of their right of adult-franchise. The authors have shown that the new socio-political set-up, especially in the rural area, is engulfed in groupism and factionalism, with the result the whole environment is permeated with tensions, fights and litigations.

While raising the issue of integration, the novelists have dealt the most crucial problem leading to disintegration and divisiveness in India–the Hindu-Muslim conflict. They depict that this problem had been superficially created by the British who believed in “Divide and Rule.” In the post-Independence India, it has been created by a few, for ulterior motives. In rural areas such a problem does not exist.

Thus the socio-economic and political problems in the novels are not painted in romantic colouring and tinged with ethical theorising, but there is a portrayal of the realities existing within the Indian social framework. The novelists have direct contact with the massess they have depicted (mainly the middle and the lower) and have explored their world with full confidence to find out the reality of life. They have used the language of the people to express the local colour of the rural-urban life.

By bringing the harsh realities of life into limelight in the novels, the novelists have tried to acquaint the readers with the actual situation of the socio-economic and political order in India. This account may leave an impression on the minds of those progressive, revolutionary, reactionary elite and intellectual readers, who aspire to bring about transformation in the society. On realizing the exact conditions of various issues, they may find it convenient to launch upon various areas, to bring forth change and improvement in the existing condition of the society. This kind of knowledge of society, also, becomes a meaningful and significant factor in the leadership of a social movement.

Novelists Exert Influence on Youth

Novelists exert their influence on the younger groups of people–­the youth. The enthusiastic youth after reading about new progressive, revolutionary ideas and ideologies march ahead to transform old and outdated norms and values, which no longer suit the existing social order.

The Hindi novelists while depicting the existing realities in the socio-economic and political set-up, have also suggested positive changing attitudes and value patterns through the youth. They have portrayed the rejection of those values by the youth, which have a degenerating impact on society. There is a collective revolt by the youth against social evils in the institution of marriage. They term those who demand dowry, as “Economic Monsters.” They also reject the feudalistic and capitalistic concept of selection of a girl in marriage. They demand for the right to choose their own life-partner. They advocate that the concept of selection should be based on the values of love, respect and freedom. The authors have revealed a strong sense of ego and individuality in the younger generation. The new environment of changed con­dition brings the young and educated girls out of their narrow shells and encourages them to fight for equality and justice in society. While depicting the shifting value pattern, the authors have shown that the impact of ideologies like individualism and liberalism has led the younger generation to be anti-authoritarian. The youth want to be freed of patriarchal dominion. The young progressive and revolutionary generation condemns social discrimination as a derogatory and humiliating factor, in the progress of the country. In the field of education they raise their voice against the mal­practices of the post-holders, viz., wrong propaganda and character assassination.

In the economic field, the novelists have projected the transition in the thinking of the progressive generation which gives impetus to bring about change in the condition of the masses. The authors have shown the new generation’s preference for technology and the use of machines. There is a rise in the level of economic aspiration. The younger generation revolts against feudalistic and capitalistic attitudes and looks forward to a new socia-economic political order. The revolt occurs on the part of the bonded labourers too. They now refuse to accept the life-long slavery imposed on them.

In the political field, the authors have described the protest the younger generation against the British rule. The unrest awakening and resulted into an enmass political awakening. The influence of Marxism and Gandhism inspired them to work against the foreign rule, with indomitable spirit.

Following the Marxian concept, there is a revolt against capitalistic evils, injustice to the downtrodden, land-tillers and labourers. The novelists have projected this view through the younger generation and propagated the values of liberty and of a classless society. They have condemned the exploitative and oppressive system of society and cried against the bourgeois mentality of people. By denying caste, creed and untouchability though the youth, the novelists induce the Gandhian philosophy of equality, the development of self, non-violence and nationalism. There is a strong protest against the gross exploitation and humiliation of law, untouchable castes and tribes in the villages.

Thus the authors show their faith in the youth and feel that if the youth have character and courage, they could do away with the bonds of slavery in India. The Hindi novelists have projected enthusiasm and hope through the youth of India, who are ready to improve the conditions of society. Thus there is a gradual acquisition of new values and ideologies related to liberty, equality, nationalism, scientific and rational outlook and zeal for social justice.

Such a depiction of enthusiasm, courage and transformation of values in the novels may certainly leave a deep impact on youngimpressionable minds, who, on getting the impulse, ready themselves to fight against all that is degenerating the core of humanity. Thus, the writings of Hindi novelists may said to be instrumental in giving impetus to the young, progressive and reactionary workers, to start social and reformist movements and bring about change in society. By thus inducing and in consequence, drawing forth a collective response from the masses, the Hindi novelists commit themselves to the task of giving a new direction to the youth, to bring about change in the country. There is a new challenge in their writings.

The novelists in India are not such intellectuals who live in ivory towers. They have all kinds of moral and social commitments and therefore have to undergo the restraints of real life. As such, whatever ideas they generate, pass through the test of everyday life. Therefore, their ideas and their thoughts are not only action-oriented but are very much rooted in the Indian soil.

Novelists exert influence on the common people

The writings of the novelists are dramatized, transcribed and filmed, through theatre and the audio-visual media–the radio, television and cinema. This may have a tremendous impact on the masses both in the villages and cities. Mass media is a very important vehicle in imparting the new, progressive and revolutionary ideas to the masses of a country. The writings of the novelists could thus be reached to the minds of the unfamiliar, incomprehensible and the conventional. The new knowledge, new thought, new information, new attitudes, new aspirations and new ideologies of the novelists are introduced to the uneducated mass and the common man through the mass media which reaches out to a large number of people at the same time, and thus becomes instrumental in bringing about transformation in the country.

The various impacts of the novelists on the society and vice versa lead to the fact that there is a vital link between the novels, novelists, social movement and finally social change, which further reinforces the idea, that the thoughts and experiences of the novelists are socially conditioned and socially determined.

¹ George Lukacs’ Studies in European Realism: Sociological Survey of the Writings of Balzac, Stendhal, Zola, Tolstoy, Gorky and others. Translated by Edith Bone (London: Hillway Publishing 1950) p. II.