How does Vikram Seth's A Suitable Boy combine traditional Indian narrative structures with Western literary form?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is Through a family saga model inspired by 19th-century realist novels.
Explanation:
☛ A Suitable Boy, published in 1993 by Indian author Vikram Seth, is structured around a sweeping multi-generational family saga.
☛ The novel mirrors the narrative depth and expansive scope of 19th-century Western realist fiction, drawing comparisons to the works of George Eliot and Leo Tolstoy.
☛ It weaves traditional Indian societal elements—such as arranged marriage, caste considerations, and joint family dynamics—across four interconnected families: the Mehras, the Kapoors, the Khans, and the Chatterjis.
☛ The central plot revolves around Mrs. Rupa Mehra's quest to find a suitable groom for her younger daughter, Lata, set against the backdrop of post-independence India.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ A Suitable Boy is recognized as one of the longest single-volume novels ever published in the English language, containing over 590,000 words.
☛ The story is set in the early 1950s in the fictional town of Brahmpur on the banks of the Ganges, capturing pivotal national events like India's first general elections and the abolition of the Zamindari system.
☛ Vikram Seth was awarded the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 1988 for his verse novel The Golden Gate.
☛ In 2007, Vikram Seth was honoured with the Padma Shri by the Government of India for his distinguished contribution to Literature and Education.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Who wrote the famous novel in verse titled 'The Golden Gate'? → Vikram Seth
☛ In which year was Vikram Seth's novel 'A Suitable Boy' published? → 1993
☛ Which Indian author penned the travelogue 'From Heaven Lake: Travels Through Sinkiang and Tibet'? → Vikram Seth
☛ Which music-centered novel was written by Vikram Seth in 1999? → An Equal Music
☛ Which prestigious award was given to Vikram Seth in 1988 for English literature? → Sahitya Akademi Award