The
term epic comes from the Greek word ‘epikes’ (epes) which means a narrative
poem of divine inspiration. Its characters can be partly human and partly
divine. It is also called a heroic poem which is a grand in theme and style. In
other words, an epic is a longer narrative poem about heroic actions of heroic
individual. Its action should be complete and grand. Its hero is not an
ordinary persona but of nation or international importance. It deals with the
fundaments values of life. Home’s “Iliad” and “Odyssey”;, Milton’s “Paradise Lost”,
Dante’s “Divine Comedy” and the Ramayana and the Mahabharata are the well-known
epics.
What is epic-novel :-
In
the modern times, the term ‘epic’ is also used in prose-fiction. The novel is a
later development in the field of literature. In the 19th century it
developed as the literary expression of the aspirations and struggles of the
middle class people. According to Hegel, it depicts the inner and out aspects
of life. Today the subject matter of both the epic and the novel is to present
men in action trough a narrative. In an epic the individuals presents their
groups or classes, while in a novel, the individuals are engaged in a struggle
for their rights. A novel also depicts the emotion side of a character.
Today
like Emile Zola, many modern novelists depict the struggle of individuals
against a social set-up, against toe hostile environment. It also provides
meaningful criticism of lfie. It highlights some selected problem of modern
life to reform the social system. It exposes the weaknesses and hollowness of
modern life and civilization. This in connection, A
famous critic Francis Stoddard remarks,
“A novel is a narrative
of human life under stress of emotion. It differs from the epic in that it is a
narration of human rather that super human life under the stresses of ordinary rather than of
excessive or heroic emotion.”
In
this way, the modern novel is closer to the epic form as it depicts man’s
position in a hostile environment. It assumes the form of an epic of common man
and everyday life. It is rich in social awareness. It depicts soci- culture
changes in modern society, In this treatise, “Aspects of Novel” E. M. Forster
says,
“Novel is greater than other form of literature
and art because of its capacity to make secret life of individuals open and
visible. It provides a more comprehensive world-view of things.”
Epic struggles of the Indian peasants
Keeping
all these views in mind, we can say that Prem Chand’s Godan has epic dimensions
as it deals with epic struggles of the Indian peasants against an established hostile
social order. It is a tragedy of Indian peasantry. It realistically portrays
the sufferings and the poor economic conditions of the Indian peasant. The
peasants were mercilessly exploited by the landlords in the first half of the
twenty century. In the beginning of this novel Prem Chand says that it is a
common belief that God creates the high and the lower. We sew nothing and we
have nothing to reap.” But these are only fancies to console our mind. In fact, God creates us
all equal. Those who have power to oppress the poor, become rich. He says, “The
foundations of society are laid on fear. Remove fear and your will have Utter
Chaos.”
Hori like an epic typical hero:-
Hori,
the hero is the representative of Indian peasantry. He has blind faith in
age-old traditions and religious beliefs. He is the embodiment of ideas and
selfless service, He is so much tradition-bund that he can never stand against
the exploitation by the rich. Through his life, he has been exploited and
wronged by the money-lenders, but he bears all the injustice and exploitation
silently. His son Gobar, sis fin favour of a radical change in society and he
appears as the representative of change and modern value. Prem Chand says, “Tyranny
at least creates as spirit of revolt in man makes him conscious of his rights.
v
Godan’ – a
social document :-
The
present work is an important document of Premchand’s contemporary society with
its problem. Prem Chand is against
oppression and exploitation in all forms. He is a bitter critic of social evils
in Indian society. He is deeply influenced by the BolShavik ideas of social
change and equality. He finds that the middle and lower classes of society are
passing through crisis and transition. He point out that they are the victims
of poverty, starvation, poor heath, misery, humiliation and ignorance. The title,
“Godan” is highly suggestive. Hori has a dream of owing a cow, and in his last
moments he tells sorry because he can not offer a cow to a ‘Brahmin”. This
device of irony intensifies the tragic effect. Hori’s life has been a tale of
helplessness and misery. Yet he never loses his unshakeable faith in the
essential goodness of man. In this connection, I. N. Madan, a critic observes “An Indian peasant has been robbed of his honour,
his spirit and his very life.
Message of Epic:-
Here
Prem Chand shines out a crusader against the feudal system in pre-independent
India. The novel also deals with the impact of industrialization. It also includes
the romantic sage of Mr. Mehta and Miss Malti. They discuss makes like love,
family, freedom and the meaning of life. They believe that hove is pious sand
sacred thing. It depends upon healthy understanding of each other. Their
notions of love are Platonic. They represent at Prem Chand’s progressive
outlook of an Ideal social order.
v Conclusion:-
Thus
“Godan” is based on the epic dimensions. Here Prem Chand describes his age of
rapid transitions, political instability and the helpless struggling peasant
against a rigid social set-up. “Godan” is a masterpiece of Indian literature,
and the real test of great book is that it retains its relevance ands
suggestive value in all times. It never becomes out-dated and it never fails to
answer the questions of its succeeding age. That way, ‘Godan’ is rightly
considered as an epic-novel.
No comments:
Post a Comment