Essay Questions

Describe how radicalization leads to Udayan’s untimely death

Udayan Mitra is raised well by his parents. However, he chooses to indulge himself in politics after attending a local university. He gets involved in radical politics by associating himself with revolutionary politics in India. Udayan joins a radical group, which is against government activities. After getting recruited to a radical group, Udayan begins meting out violence against civilians with different ideologies. Furthermore, the group organizes violent demonstrations against the government. Udayan becomes so violent that he kills a policeman. In retaliation, the police officers execute him in broad daylight.

Why is Gauri being isolated by her parents-in-law?

Udayan’s parents isolate Gauri because she was married against their wishes. Udayan refused to marry a girl whom his parents had chosen for him. He went against his parents’ will to marry a woman of his choice. Therefore, the marriage was not approved by his parents. Udayan is believed to have gone against traditions and culture that dictates marriage in India. Hence, his parents believe that Gauri brought misfortunes to their family. The parents think that Gauri played a role in influencing their son to get involved in radical politics.

Why Gauri chose to flee Calcutta Immediately after Udayan’s death?

Gauri agrees to go to America with Subhash to escape the wrath of her parents in law and also evade scrutiny by local police. Udayan’s parents mistreat Gauri immediately after her husband’s demise. Gauri knows that she will never stay in peace at Calcutta and decides to flee with Subhash. Local police are also intending to interrogate her about the death of a law enforcement officer. Therefore, Gauri knows she will be more stressed in Calcutta. She decides to go to the U.S with Subhash to live happily.