Nirmala

Going from Bad to Worse: A Book Review of Nirmala by Premchand, Oxford University Press, 1999 (originally printed 1925).Premachand (1880-1936) paved the way for realism in Indian literature. This is evidenced in Nirmala, the story of a young woman bethrothed. This novel captures, through the actions and words, the depth of suffering of the characters Nirmala comes in contact with, keeps the book from falling into melodrama or soap opera. This would have transpired with any lesser writer. Our story opens with Nirmala's mother and father quarrelling during the lengthy and elaborate preparation for Nirmala wedding. Babu Udayabhanulas stages a "walk out" to show his wife he wouldn't take abuse. Enroute to the river, for a boat crossing, he is accosted and murdered by a robber he had put behind bars. This begins the series of dark events which beset Nirmala's journey. The original marriage offer falls through due to the financial devastation resulting from Babu's death. However, in her lowered dowry-less status, Nirmala is married to an older gentleman. He is a lawyer, with three sons, and a liv- in sister. This begins the jealousy, squabbles, and mean-spiritedness that results from the introduction of the lovely young 16 year old interloper. As the characters disintegrate, first one son dies through self-poisoning, then the next son is hauled off to prison after stealing Nirmala's jewels, the third wanders off following some less than holy man.Nirmala bears a daughter which she neglects and abuses, she becomes a mean spirited miser following her husband's inability to function over the grief of his son's death. Nimala finds some respite in the friendship of Sadha, wife of Doctor Sahib, but Sadha's son dies while visiting Nirmala, Dr. Sahib then tries to seduce Nirmala, which results in scandal. When he commits suicide, Sadha is transported to a relative's house. This leaves Nirmala with no drops of sweetness. When her husband leaves to find the youngest son's whereabouts, not leaving word or any contact, Nirmala finally, herself, succumbs. on the fourth day, at sunset. "Her sad story came to an end. At the same time that birds and animals return to their homes, their nests and hollows, Nirmala's soul, having endured a lifetime of the darts and arrows of clever huntsmen and the clasw of predators, and having been buffeted mercilessly by gusts of wind till it could endure no more, flew off to its eternal home." Premachand creates a truly despicable character in Munshi Totaram, the husband. His jealously, untruths and the awful change of events he sets into motion by his inability to live truthfully. He is a product of his culture and is truly awful. He drives the story, keeping the reader turning pages due to the believability of his awful and irregular nature. He is a man in conflict who creates disharmony whereever he goes. In bringing Nirmala, a beautiful young woman into his home to look after his sons and his desires , he brings her down with h