IndexContextBackgroundAnimal images in "The White Tiger"The rooster coop: entrapment and oppressionThe mongoose: cunning and survivalThe buffalo: symbol of exploitationThe stork: Representation of corruptionConclusionReferences Aravind Adiga's novel, 'The White Tiger', is a literary masterpiece that offers a searing critique of India's deeply rooted social and political conditions. Through the lens of animal imagery, Adiga creates a narrative that exposes corruption, corruption. oppression and inequality that pervade Indian society. This essay delves into Adiga's masterful use of animal symbolism to illuminate the flaws of the Indian social and political landscape, exploring the nuances and implications of this literary technique. Why video games are violent shouldn't they be banned? Get an original essay Background Before delving into the intricacies of the animal imagery in “The White Tiger,” it is essential to provide some background on the novel. Published in 2008, the book tells the story of Balram Halwai, a lower-caste individual from a rural background who emerges from a life of poverty and servitude to become an entrepreneur. Balram's journey serves as a vehicle for Adiga to explore the stark disparities and injustices inherent in Indian society, particularly the divide between the wealthy elite and the marginalized. The narrative is framed in a series of letters written by Balram to Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, who is planning to visit India. Through these letters, Balram tells his life story, revealing the underbelly of Indian society and his transformation into a "white tiger", a rare and exceptional individual who dares to break free from the constraints of the Rooster Coop, a metaphorical representation of the oppressive hierarchy social. Animal Imagery in “The White Tiger” The Chicken Coop: Entrapment and Oppression One of the central metaphors in “The White Tiger” is the chicken coop, a concept that Balram uses to describe the entrapment of the lower classes in India. Balram compares the lower classes to caged roosters waiting to be slaughtered, drawing a parallel between the physical confinement of roosters and the social constraints that limit the opportunities and aspirations of the poor and marginalized. In the Rooster Coop, individuals are conditioned to accept their subservient roles and dare not challenge the status quo. This metaphor highlights the systemic nature of oppression in India, where the privileged classes and the corrupt political system work together to maintain the subjugation of the masses. Balram's narrative reflects the harsh reality that many face, unable to escape the metaphorical cage of poverty and exploitation. The Mongoose: Cunning and Survival Within the novel, Balram adopts the identity of a mongoose, a small but cunning predator known for its ability to outsmart and defeat larger, more formidable foes. This choice of symbolism highlights Balram's journey from submissive chauffeur to independent entrepreneur. He sees himself as a mongoose, surviving in a society teeming with cobras, who represent the corrupt and powerful elite. Balram's transformation into a "white tiger" is emblematic of the potential for change, even in the face of overwhelming odds. The mongoose symbolizes resilience and resourcefulness, qualities that allow Balram to navigate the treacherous waters of Indian society and carve a path beyond the confines of servitude. The Buffalo: Symbol of Exploitation Another evocative example of animal imagery in "The White Tiger" is the depiction of the lower classes as buffalo. Balram describes how the poor, especially those in rural areas, resemble buffaloes, 5(1), 48-58.