Gora by Rabindranath Tagore - Summary

Gora by Rabindranath Tagore – Summary

"Gora" is a famous novel by Rabindranath Tagore. It was written in the backdrop of the British -ruled India of the nineteenth century. This novel does not only talk about the atrocities on Indians by the British, but it is also the story of the moral and social duality going on within man. This novel is full of philosophy and thoughts and forces the reader to think what is right and wrong.

The main characters of the story are Gora (Gaurmohan) and Binoy. Binoy is a humble, educated, intelligent and logical person. He is a supporter of change in society and modern ideas. At the same time, Gora is a staunch Hindu, who fully follows religious customs. He considers himself to be superior on the basis of religion and caste.

Gora was not actually a Hindu. He was a child of a Christian parent, adopted by a Hindu family. But he did not know about it. He considered himself a Hindu from birth and considered Hinduism as the soul of the country. When the British people started insulting Hindu culture, Gora felt that it was necessary to liberate India first, and then one should talk about religion. According to him, Hinduism is the soul of India and it only makes sense to the country.

On the other hand, Binoy, a Brahma Samaji named Paresh Babu meets a person. The Brahma Samaj was an organization that was started by Raja Rammohan Roy. Its followers were rational and generous ideas. He wanted to stay away from the evils of traditional Hinduism and bring changes in the society. Many of them believed that the British would improve India, but some Brahma Samaji considered Hindus as backward and ignorant.

Paresh Babu's wife's name is Barodashudari, who is a rigorous woman. He is survived by his own children and adopted children - Satish, and three daughters: Lalita, Lavanya and Leela. Lavanya is intelligent and rebellious nature. Binoy and Lavanya's friendship gradually grows. Meanwhile, Binoy meets another Brahma -Haran Babu (Panu Babu), who is against the match with outsiders.

Gora is sent to know about Paresh Babu, but he goes there to argue. The debate is about the values ​​of religion and society. Gradually Gora feels that what he thinks is not always right. He is also influenced by the understanding and self -confidence of Sucharita (Lavanya), but is unable to accept his feelings.

Then in an incident, Gora and Binoy go to see a drama, where the British magistrate also comes. Gora goes to meet the magistrate with the problems of some villages, but he does not get hearing. This makes even more anger towards the British.

This journey of Gora becomes a journey of self-consciousness. He starts questioning the existence of religion, society, country and himself. When he finds out that he is not actually a Hindu, his trust is broken. But from there, he also understands that the real identity is made from humanity and truth, not from caste or religion.

In conclusion, "Gora" is a novel that reflects the complexities, religious differences and patriotism of Indian society. It is a journey of human internal conflict and self -realization. Tagore has not only shown the truth of society in it, but has also told that true religion is the one who connects humanity, not breaks.

*****

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