Rise by sin or fall by virtue: A Marxist study of class consciousness in The white tiger, and How to get filthy rich in rising Asia

Abstract

The present research aims to investigate and describe the phenomenon of class consciousness by keeping in its center the lines of social stratification. The core of this study is to probe the nature of class consciousness permeating through the selected postcolonial texts; Adiga‟s The White Tiger and Hamid‟s How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia which are the primary source of data for the current research. It takes into account the rich and the poor divide which can aptly be illustrated by seeking guidance from the concepts of class and class consciousness manifested in the Marxist critical theory. The term class consciousness here implies the contents derived from the social choices which are pertinent to the class and on the basis of the references set by class consciousness the class members struggle to lead their lives. Additionally, the study tends to inquire whether the level of class consciousness attained by members of working class makes them eligible to escape from the shackles of class servitude or not. The selected texts have been subjected to close textual analysis. An extensive reading of the novels brings forth the outcomes which have been interpreted in the light of much celebrated Marxist concepts. The results vividly indicate that the class segregation and class consciousness thrive in Adiga‟s and Hamid‟s fictional expedition. It seems as if the characters gradually develop class consciousness and exercise it within their social circle. The contemporary period is under the spell of capitalism and globalization which certifies the segmentation of human societies on the basis of social class. This work can undoubtedly assist the cultural studies attempting to comprehend the pros and cons of social stratification.