Gora, reckoned as an epic brings out the then Bengali society in a harmonious way. Rabindranath Tagore ideally attacks social taboos in this remarkable work "Gora". The Bengali society, which was then categorically divided into the traditional Orthodox Hindus and the liberal Brahmo Samaj, is presented in this novel Gora in a matchless way. For the greater purpose of saving the society from the claws of oppression, caste system and above all to voice a strong protest against estranging women from the main stream Tagore weaves the tale of Gora in a fascinating way.
Synopsis
Gora is the largest and the most complex of the novels written by Rabindranath Tagore. This epic type novel undoubtedly gives a classic impression. This epic also debates a number of issues or concerns that are very contemporary and can compete with the present scenario of our society.
Gora is a story set in the disruptive times when the Bengali society in Kolkata was starkly divided into the traditional orthodox Hindus and the modernized, liberal thinking Brahmos instructed by the Brahma Samaj. The Hindus followed their renascent practices and ceremonials while the Brahmos were in constant clashes with orthodoxy and vehemently opposed all idol-worships, caste system etc. But both the communities were not devoid of their own hypocrisies and contradictions. This story contains a number of characters each of which is unique and strongly individualistic. Through these various characters and their stories,
Tagore has raised almost every single concern of the society. Hence the novel is woven with several sub-plots, intermediary stories and events, which though sometimes seem to be meandering away from the main theme. Gora who is the protagonist here is a strong advocate of Hinduism and practices his religion with high regards. He is a natural leader with exemplary oratory skills, fair and tall stature and a resonating voice. But because of his attitude he seems an arrogant, self-asserting, aggressive and violent person who thrusts his opinions unto others. But Gora at heart is an eternal optimist dreaming about his ideal Bharatvarsha, a prosperous and happy India. As a person he is highly patriotic and sympathetic. He cannot stand injustice and high-society atrocities over poor and the downtrodden including the Muslims also. The author has brought some aspects of Gora`s life as for example his denial of his newly developed feelings for Sucharita, later the slow dawning of role of women in his dream country Bharatvarsha, his hurt when he learns about Binoy`s inclination towards Brahmos, his shock upon knowing the facts relating to his birth, then his aversion to religion/ caste system and his final repentance for forsaking his mother`s feelings in his pursuit etc. binoy is Gora`s friend in the story and Poresh babu is a mature and high thinking gentleman involved in Brahmo Samaj. Sucharita and Lolita are the heroines who are educated ladies and have their own point of view in life. The latter character is much ahead of her times and eventually expresses her love for Binoy. Tagore voices a strong protest against alienating women from the main stream. His heroines are normal human beings having their own emotions, feelings and responsibility towards the society. In this story all his characters possess a strong character which is the author`s own character.
Gora is a great novel written by Rabindranath Tagore, which is published by Asia book corp. of Amer in the year of 1985.
This novel by Rabindranath Tagore is very complex to simply summarize it in a few paragraphs. The story is full of debates, arguments, contemplation and reflections that may be interpreted in various ways. Though there is no end as such because this problem of society will never go still the story ends in a nice way.