Table of contentsContextAnimal imagery in "The White Tiger"The rooster cooperative: trapping and oppressionThe mongoose: cunning and survivalThe buffalo: symbol exploitationThe Stork: Representation of CorruptionConclusionReferencesAravind Adiga's novel, "The White Tiger", is a literary masterpiece that offers a scathing critique of the deep-rooted social and political conditions in India, through the prism of Using animal imagery, Adiga crafts a narrative that exposes corruption, oppression and inequality. which permeate Indian society. This essay delves deeper into Adiga's masterful use of animal symbolism to illuminate fault lines in India's social and political landscape, exploring the nuances and implications of this literary technique. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on '. Why violent video games should not be banned? Get the original essayBackgroundBefore delving into the intricacies of the animal imagery in "The White Tiger," it is essential to provide some background about 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 story is presented as a series of letters written by Balram to Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, who is due to visit India. Through these letters, Balram tells the story of his life, revealing the underbelly of Indian society and his transformation into a "white tiger", a rare and exceptional individual who dares to free himself from the constraints of the Rooster Coop, a metaphorical representation of oppression. social hierarchy.Animal Imagery in "The White Tiger"The Rooster Cooperative: Entrapment and OppressionOne of the central metaphors of "The White Tiger" is the rooster cooperative, 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 societal 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 collaborate to maintain the subjugation of the masses. Balram's story reflects the harsh reality many face, unable to escape the metaphorical cage of poverty and exploitation. The Mongoose: Cunning and Survival In the novel, Balram adopts the identity of a mongoose, a small but cunning predator known for its ability to outwit and defeat larger and more formidable enemies. This choice of symbolism highlights Balram's journey from a submissive driver to an independent entrepreneur. He sees himself as a mongoose, surviving in a society teeming with cobras, representing the corrupt and powerful elite. Balram's transformation into the "white tiger" is emblematic of the potential for change, even in the face of overwhelming odds. The mongoose symbolizes resilience and ingenuity, qualities that allow Balram to navigate the dangerous waters of Indian society and forge 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 buffaloes. Balram describes how, 5(1), 48-58.