Examining Women’s Portrayal in “The White Tiger” Through A Gendered Lens

Aravind Adiga's "The White Tiger" explores the harsh realities faced by women in contemporary India, specifically those ensnared within the stifling grip of social hierarchy. The novel provides us with an unsettling glimpse into the multitude of women caught in the shackles of patriarchy. Through a simplistic narrative, it takes us through a multitude of such experiences, from the village women like Balram's grandmother and mother to the fiercely independent, foreign-educated Pinky Madam. Through a realistic portrayal of the daily struggles of these characters, Adiga vehemently critiques the system that denies these women the basic right to voice their opinions. He reveals the existence of the dowry system, the financial strain that families with daughters face, the barriers to female education and upward mobility, and the psychological oppression that women experience in a patriarchal culture. However, by downplaying the agency of some female characters, the story—which is told from Balram's self-serving point of view—may be perceived as maintaining some of these disparities. Notwithstanding this drawback, "The White Tiger" is an engrossing and uncompromising examination of the intricate and frequently tragic lives of women entangled in the webs of caste, poverty, and tradition. Their experiences highlight the severe social and economic divide that still exists in modern-day India.