The Home and the World
The Home and the World by Rabindranath Tagore is an interesting
allegory of Indian politics in the early twentieth century. As a means of
encouraging his wife, Bimala, to emerge into the outer world, Nikhil introduces
her to Sandip, an active leader in the Swadeshi movement. Bimala soon becomes
immersed in the revolutionary fervour of Swadeshi and finds herself torn
between the duties of home and the world. The Home and the World is a tragic example
of the conflict between realism and idealism.
Though Nikhil and Bimala enjoy a peaceful marriage, Nikhil wants
her to enter the outer world, believing their love is true only if they
recognize one another in the outer world. When Bimala attends a Swadeshi rally
led by Sandip Babu, she insists he visit Nikhil's estate. Bimala and Sandip are
attracted to one another, so Sandip decides to make his headquarters at the
estate.
Bimala becomes intimately involved with the Swadeshi movement
because of her desire to work with Sandip. Sandip is obviously interested in
Bimala, and Bimala begins to question her marriage to Nikhil because Sandip
represents everything she wants in a man. At Sandip's request, Bimala steals
6000 rupees from Nikhil's safe for the Cause, but Sandip's subsequent behavior
makes her feel torn as though she is two people, one who is appalled by Sandip
and one who is attracted to him.
Though Nikhil is distraught at losing Bimala, he grants her the
freedom to choose her own life. Guilt-ridden about her theft, Bimala sends
Amulya, a young disciple of Sandip's, to sell her jewels so she can replace the
6000 rupees, but instead, Amulya steals the money from Nikhil's treasury.
Nikhil forgives Bimala's deceit, causing her to realize her husband is the one
who truly loves her. When there is a Swadeshi riot in Bengal, Sandip flees the
city while Nikhil goes into town to try to calm matters. Nikhil is shot in the
head, and Amulya is killed by a bullet through his heart.
