The relationship between Bim and Raja

Romancia Moore
Literature: Clear Light of Day

                  Bim is the typical Indian woman. At the beginning of the story, Bim has worn down with age and seems very contempt with her caretaking life.  Due to Bim's satisfaction with her own life, she questions those around her who seem to betaken with being ambitious and adventurous like with Tara and young Raja, for example pg. 2 " Bim watched her sister in surprise and amusement "and pg. 51 " It was a phrase Raja liked to use. He had picked it up from Hyder Ali. It had impressed his sisters and aunt". Furthermore, at the beginning of the second chapter, Raja is shown as an ill boy but also has a great desire to be educated. He feels that his connection to his model Hyder Ali and knowledge of the Urdu language makes him more mature and superior than his family members. This is shown in pg. 49 "It was an almost shocking contrast to the shabbiness of their own house, its peculiarities that hurt Raja by embarrassing him as he grew up...".
           Moreover, Raja and Bim's relationship evolved over the years. At a young age Bim took care of Raja through out the year when he was sick. The illness made Raja temperamental, pouting and complacent but throughout the illness Bim literally sat by his bedside and read to him until he fall asleep; Bim and Raja also seemed very close to each other than with any other family member. This can be seen in pg. 49 where Raja laid in the garden and talked privately to Bim about this wonderful night at Hyder Ali's. Raja confided in Bim and they had a very trusting relationship. During a flashback in the first chapter of the book, Bim and Raja mischievously planned to disrupt their parents played bridge.
          However, Bim at the first chapter showed distaste for memories involving Raja. Bim referred to Raja's poetic verses as '' Terrible" and "nauseating" (pg. 25). The simple mention of Raja seemed to bring anger and frustration to Bim. This revelation comes to a great surprise to Tara, especially since Bim was always Raja's favorite sisters. The anger and resentment comes to light when the letter written by Bim is revealed to Tara. Bim finds the letter to be extremely disrespectful and treated the letter as the last straw for Raja looking down on her and Tara as inferior. Bim's refusal to believe that Raja was not insulting her made it impossible for any reconciliation.

Hurt is the theme in Clear Light of Day. Discuss all issues of hurt with th e characters in the story.

Father- It is the pride of every father for his sons to follow in his footsteps. Baba, though he was a beautiful baby, never had the mental capacity to be like his father or like anyone for that matter. Raja was taken with the idea of being like his neighbor and mentor Hyder Ali. He studied the Urdu language and not the Hindu language and he wanted to apply for the Jamia Millia college even in the dangerous political times of the day. Raja spent most of his time with Hyder Ali and dreamed of being a poet instead of taking after his father's real estate business. "'Specialize in Islamic studies? What are you talking about, you dunce?'"(pg.51)

             Bim- Bim is a complex figure in the poem. When Tara got married away to Bakul and Raja went off to be with Hyder Ali and marry Benazir, Bim was left alone to take care of Baba and Mira-masi. Bim always had dreams of going to college and having a college degree in history but all of her dreams were pushed aside since she was left to take care of the household. Bim felt betrayed since her siblings left her behind with so much responsibility when it was Bim who took care of Raja when he had tuberculosis. Bim also had feelings of rejection when she attended the lunch with Dr. Biswas and his mother. His mother expecting someone better mannered, sociable and attractive made little effort to get to know Bim. Moreover, the real hurt came from the letter that was written by Raja to Bim. He notified Bim that Raja is now her landlord and wrote that he would not charge more for the rent. Bim perceived that letter as Raja being arrogant. From the letter, Bim developed great bitterness and anger towards Raja. Bim felt that Raja was showing off all his money and was acting superior to her. Additionally, Bim felt she had lost the brother she was so close to as a child, she felt that Tara now filled the void with Raja that she once filled.   

           Raja- Raja was a confident and driven man and there were very little things that bothered him. Although, there were times when Raja was vulnerable and naive. For example, when aunt Mira warned him about going over by Hyder Ali. Raja felt like if Mira- masi was implying that he wasn't good enough to be affiliated with Hyder Ali. “When she did not, he went off with a disgusted look."(pg.49) Another hurtful event in Raja's life was the years when Bim refused to talk to her. She wasn't apart of his marriage of the raising his children.

            Tara- Growing up, Bim and Raja were very close. This left Tara to grow up really guarded and scared. Tara felt rejected by her siblings especially when they talked about being heroism. Tara felt inferior to Raja whenever he spoke of poetry and his studies. Tara also felt less than Bim who was a over achiever in school and her teachers were also stating how Tara may be more like Baba and not like Bim. There was also the incident with Bim cutting off most of Tara's hair when Tara said she wanted curly hair. Bim say how vulnerable Tara was being and acted on the opportunity. Additionally, when Tara ran for help and left Bim to be stung by swarming bees. Bim understood but when they returned home, Raja didn't waste any time condemning Tara for not staying back and helping. Also, before Tara was married she spent a lot of time with the Misras sisters. Tara sneaked into their garden when they were taking a family picture. Tara was wearing saggy and old clothes and the Misras girls were fitted in silk. According to the tone and diction of the story, it implied that the Misras girls were very meclisious in their behavior.  

          Baba- Baba always seemed to be in his own little world. Behind his pleasant face, Baba seemed to be very at peace with himself. However there was one climatic moment where Baba’s was shaken. In Bim’s rage about Raja’s letter, Bim went into Baba’s room and threatened to send him to Raja home and sell the family’s share of the firm to Sharma. Bim had not intended to let her frustration on Baba and consequently, Baba’s expression spoke volumes. ‘, but he seemed to draw back from her , as far as he could, and his mouth was drawn awry as if he had been slapped, hard.’ However, later that afternoon Bim apologetically brought Baba tea and was pleasantly surprised that from the moment Baba saw her, he smiled as if the incident never happened.

          Aunt Mira- Aunt Mira was married at a very young age. And even then was she introduced to hurt and pain. She lost her husband after only one week of marriage. According to Hindu tradition, aunt Mira was blamed for the sudden death of her husband, she wore white and was emotional disgraced. Aunt Mira worked for her in laws as a maid and later on as the children’s care taker. Tragically, aunt Mira could never have children of her own to her. Because of hard times in mira-masi’s life, it led to the painful death caused by grief and alcohol.  

The significance of Baba

          Baba was the last child for the family. He was the only boy and later on in the story, it was clear that the family had intentions of him taking up after his father and working at the office. Baba's birth even brought up jealousy issues for Tara, who was up until then as the baby of the family. However, handsome and well behaved Baba was, he caused great discomfort and inconvience for his mother. The mother was obsessed with playing bridge and was chronically sick with diabetes. Never wanting to have any children of her own, Bab was a great burden to his mother. It is important to note that Baba was mentally ill and nver spoke a word in his life. Due to Baba's ailment, it forced the introduction of Mira-masi.
         Additionally, Baba was like a dark cloud hovering over the family. Baba's non verbal (shaking his head and lowering his face) communications with Bim and the family whenever there was a need to go to meetings at the office placed a great burden on Bim. She was often embarrassed by Baba's physical circumstances. Also, Baba's obsession with his gramophone was a nuisance and embarassment for the family. Blaring music form Baba's room acted as background music for the sometimes  chaotic events of the family. Bab's gramophone also served as a reminder of how litttle Bim and Mira-masi could really do for him since the gramophone was the only thing that calmed him after one of his episodes.
        Moreover, Bbab's illness caused Bim great misery. Being the older sister and the only sibling to remain at home, Bim was for ced to take care of Baba. Though Bim never admitted her misery, it was apparent that Baba was a element that held Bim back from all her 'heroism'. Baba wa also a soruce of embarrassment for Tara during her high school years. Tara remembered some of the teachers making remarks about how is mentally ill and maybe that was why Tara seemed so unsuccessful in school.
       Baba's Pleasant face and demeanor made it clear that he was quite happy in his own little world inside his room with his records. But outside of his world and carefreeness, Baba's presence seemed to make everyone resentful and guilty, especially Bim. However, Baba indirectly taught his family patience and how to love dispite the unaffectionate reply.
  

Video analysis- Biff confronts Willy

  Willy is still unable to see how much his family loves him and especially his own son Biff. But in this video clip, Biff forcefully tries to make Willy see who he really is. Biff tries to make it clear to him that he does not blame him for his failures and that he does not resent him for having the affair. Biff comes to terms with the choices he has made and the lack of success in his life.  


  Additionally, Willy confronted with the failures resorts to a child-like attitude when Biff is finally satisfied that life is not about rejecting society's values but about hard work. With Biff's revelation, seems to break the cycle that has haunted the 'Lo-man' men. Also, with Willy realizing that Biff truly loves him, it is the first time that the audience really sees that Willy can be satisfied. But unfortunately, the revelation leads to Willy's mind being at ease and taking his life in the process.          

Was Willy Loman's family responsible for his demise?

      Willy's family was partly responsible for Willy's demise. However, Willy is solely responsible for his own downfall. All of Willy's misfortune stems for his idea of the American Dream. He believes that getting ahead in life will only happen with establishing good personal contacts. He is obsessed with being well-liked despite the sound council of his successful best friend.
  
  Moreover, Charlie not only provided several job offers for charlie but he gives him a weekly allowance so that he can pretend to have made a salary for his family. Despite Willy's constant humiliating outburst to Charlie, Charlie continues to comfort Willy and watch him self destruct instead of helping him become a 'man'. 


  Willy never really had a father figure in his life since his father left him and his brother as children. Willy is determined to have a different and better life for his family than what was given to him. But in his quest for a better life, Willy becomes like his father since he lives the life of a salesman and is often away from his family on work. Willy, a 60 year old man,still has a child-like mentality because he still wants everything to fall in his lap. In some ways, Willy's father is at fault for giving him a sense of abandonment. Also, the ghost of Ben Loman is at fault since his constant mention of time and money continues to taunt Willy and reminds him of his failures. 


  Additionally, Linda who plays the part of a supportive and dependent wife is one of the main culprits to Willy's failure. She compromises to accommodate Willy's ego and defends him at all costs. For example, Happy and Biff are chastised for leaving Willy at he dinner. Linda sees that Willy is getting more lost by the day but unfortunately does nothing. Even at the discovery of Willy's suicidal tendencies only goes on with the parade. Linda is blind to the fact that Willy isn't just haunted by memories but is quickly going off the cliff.

  Biff is the son that Willy always wanted. Willy taught him to be successful according to his standard. He taught him to lie to get what he wants and he does nothing when Biff is caught stealing. Biff was the one who caught him cheating on Linda hence, Willy is haunted by that event and thinks that Biff holds resentment in his heart towards him. This guilt clouds Willy's judgement. Biff's knowledge of the event is one of the underlining traits of Willy's misery. Biff represents the fact that Willy was a failure in training Biff to be a success and turns Willy mad.


  Happy is the son that Willy ignores. He is the younger of the two boys and is another reminder to Willy that his life counts for nothing. Happy is unable to make something of his life and thus forces Willy to realize that his American Dream is flawed.  
    


   


      
         

Both Willy Loman and King Lear can be seen as tragic characters

    Willy creates his own American Dream and decides to reject society's values and norms of hard work and puts an emphasis on being well liked. Willy is overwhelmed with a desire to up keep a vain personal appearance of success and dignity. With the flashbacks and powerful events in theplay, the winter shows a clear picture of the rise and fall of Willy Loman. 
   King Lear is also seen as a tragic character since he once had all the power and pride. But due to mistakes of his own, Lear puts his trust in the victims of the play. At the moment of his fall from grace, even the dark wheather adds to the mood.   

Analyze the character of King Lear and Willy Loman
        King Lear is the main character of William Shakespeare's play 'King Lear' is played with the bad decisions he has made and how one misguided act has had such profound events on ohter characters. King Lear is blinded by the fact that his older daughters(Goneril and Regan) are using flattering words in order to get a portion of the inheritance. He ignores the truth that is spoken by Cordelia and Kent. Lear is driven to madness as he realizes what a mess he has made of his life and how he has turned the ones who really loved him away. Additionally, Lear has given away his throne but still feels he is entitled to priviledges. 
      Willy Loman is the main character in Death of Salesman. Similar to King Lear's misfortunes. Willy is driven mad by the realization that his American Dream is not only flawed but unsuccessful. Charlie plays and important role in making Willy come to terms wit hthe truth but Willy is also unable to listen to good counsel.
    Both Willy Loman and King Lear are unable to see the truth. They are confused and troubled with their past . Both men unknowingly are surrounded by several persons who care for them.This shows that they both are respected,e.g. the knights in King Lear who stood by their king even after the dilema with Lear's daughters. Both men are proud and arrogant.
     King Lear does eventually see that he was mistaken with whom he shouls trust. Lear's revelation does however come at a price since the one who loved him the most, Cordelia, is killed in the end. Willy Loman is unfortunately unable to come to grip with the fact that those around him do love him and are not trying to blame him for their own. Willy in the end resuts to ending his tortured soul. King Lear who has betrayed the underserving among him, is given forgiveness by Cordelia. However, Willy who believes Biff is holding hatred in his heart is unable to see the love and support Biff wants to give him.