Rabindranath Tagore's novel 'Gora': Analysis
of all the major characters
Rabindranath Tagore's famous novel "Gora" is a very important
social and ideological text of Indian literature, in which deep topics like
Indian society, caste system, nationalism, religion, humanism and female
consciousness have been presented through influential characters.
The main characters of this novel—Gora,
Binoy, Sucharita, Lalita, Pauresh Babu and Anandamoyee—represent different thoughts and ideologies of Indian
society.
Let’s discuss the characters of the novel, “Gora”:
Major characters of the novel “Gora”
1. Gora
He is the hero of the novel.
He is a devoted nationalist and traditionalist.
Strictly follows the rules of caste and religion.
In the end his ideological transformation takes place and he adopts
humanism.
2. Binoy
He is Gora's friend.
He is generous, sensitive and humanitarian.
He thinks beyond caste and social barriers.
3. Sucharita
She is an educated girl belonging to Brahmo community (Brahmo Samaj).
She is independent-minded and full of self-respect.
Her character is a symbol of modern female consciousness.
4. Lalita
She is Sucharita's friend.
She is emotional, simple and loving in nature.
She loves Binoy.
5. Pauresh Babu
He is Sucharita's parents.
They support the ideas of Brahmo Samaj.
He advocates religious tolerance and generosity.
Minor Characters / Supporting characters of the novel “Gora”
6. Anandamoyee
Gora's foster mother.
She is the embodiment of affection, sacrifice and true human love.
Her character reflects compassion and humanity.
7. Rasbihari
He is the supporter of traditional society.
He believes in rigid rules of caste and religion.
“Gora” Novel: Brief Summary based on Characters
In the novel “Gora”, Rabindranath Tagore has exposed the complex
problems of Indian society through such characters. The protagonist of the
novel, Gora, is a man with staunch
nationalist and traditionalist views. He thinks that caste and religion is the heart
of a nation. But, at the end of his life he understands the true meaning of
human life.
Binoy is Gora's friend. He is very generous and sensitive. He rises above
social constraints and gives importance to love and human values. Sucharita is an educated and
self-reliant woman. It is very interesting that she is related to the Brahmo
community but, she has independent thinking. She is a symbol of modern female
consciousness.
Lalita, Sucharita's friend, is an emotional and simple-hearted young woman.
His character reflects love, compassion and surrender. Pauresh Babu is a supporter of Brahmo Samaj and believes in
religious tolerance and social reform.
Anandamoyee, Gora's foster mother, is the most human character in
the novel. She is the epitome of affection, sacrifice and selfless love.
Through them the author gives the message that true religion lies in human love
and not in caste or conventions.
Thus, all the characters of “Gora” together effectively present the on-going
conflict of tradition and modernity, religion and humanity, and conservatism
and reform in Indian society.
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