Andrew Scharlach answers “Why the title, A Fine Balance? For me...”

Earl asked this question about A Fine Balance:

Why the title, A Fine Balance? For me there was little balance between good and bad, between optimism and depression.

Andrew Scharlach While the author clearly telegraphs one answer ("a fine balance between hope and despair"), I was struck by the "fine balance" between individualism a…moreWhile the author clearly telegraphs one answer ("a fine balance between hope and despair"), I was struck by the "fine balance" between individualism and societal norms, and between modernity and tradition. Individuals who attempt to go beyond their assigned social roles (e.g., chamars who become tailors, Hindus who mix with Muslims, widows who live independently, etc.) suffer the consequences, either physically or psychologically. One reason why the book seems so devastating is that every character we get to know (i.e., everyone who becomes a unique individual to us) becomes maimed in the process of asserting their individuality. Perhaps this is the greatest tragedy of all.(less)

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