MAHASWETA DEVI’S “DHOWLI”
...caste system is forever evident in “Dhowli”. Dhowli is from birth doomed to live an unhappy life. “And what was Dhowli? Only a Dusad girl, a widow, with a life of deprivation as far back as she could remember” (235). In this system it is impossible for the lower castes to gain wealth, as it is only possible for the rich, who have money passed on from generation to generation, to maintain their status quo. Here, the rich stay rich, and the poor remain in utter poverty. On the whole, the traditions of West Bengal are plagued with unfairness. It is understandable that 2 thousand years ago these values were widely accepted, and worked very well. However, trying to keep these same values, unchanged for 2 thousands years is nearly impossible, and so it is without doubt that the old values will conflict with a new society. “A widow was not supposed to see her face in the mirror anymore, nor wear shellac bangles, the vermillion between the brows, the nickel anklets” (235). These traditions favour the married, and to be a widow is the worst possible situation. No happiness will ever touch a widow. Although traditions play a main role in Dhowli’s down fall, other characters are still to blame. In every unfortunate situation, the blame can be placed on many different individuals depending dissimilar opinions. In Dhowli’s case there are two: the Dusad community, and Misrilal Misra who both have a share of responsibility for what ultimately happens to Dhowli. The entirety of the Dusad community must take part of the blame for Dhowli’s misfortune. “The poor girl is ruined and unjustly abandoned by the Brahman boy, and even you, her own folks turn your backs on her” (248). Although the Dusad community follows the rules closely, it is still inhumane for them to abandoned Dhowli in her time of need. Dhowli did make a mistake in disobeying the laws, but that does not mean that her community should disown her. Second to blame is Misrilal Misra. Dhowli was not the only one to break the law in commencing a relationship with him. “Because you ran away after having your fun, and your brother took away our food” (255). after Misrilal and Dhowli’s secret relationship is brought into the open, and Misrilal faces his parents anger, Misrilal does not take care of Dhowli like he promised, but instead leaves her impregnated, forcing her to eventually become a prostitute Dhowli’s misfortune can, in the end, be seen as the consequence of her own actions, not those others, therefore making her the reason for her deprivation. Firstly, Dhowli is too trusting and naïve in the face of love. In her liaison with Misrilal, she was quick to give in to him, and let all her protective walls down. “He doesn’t come because he is afraid of his parents” (233). Dhowli, because she believes she is in love, is a victim of Misrilal lies, and her own naïf ness. Dhowli denies the truth, which makes it impossible for her to let go of Misrilal, and move on with her life. Anoth...