The White Tiger Chapter 3: The Fourth Morning Summary & Analysis

Introduction

• The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga.
• Chapter 3 explores themes of democracy, corruption, and identity in India.

Summary

• Balram Halwai writes a letter to Premier Jiabao, critiquing Indian democracy.
• Balram's first experience with democracy involves his votes being sold by his employer to the Great Socialists party, leaving him without a political voice.
• Corrupt election officials allow Balram to register as an eighteen-year-old to vote.
• Balram's identity is flexible and he reinvents himself as necessary, reflecting the corrupt nature of the Indian government.

Political Context

• The Great Socialists party dominates politics, and its leader, despite claiming to support the poor, engages in corrupt activities to maintain power.
• Local landlords (Stork, Raven, Wild Boar, Buffalo) initially oppose the Great Socialist due to political disagreements but eventually reach an agreement to maintain power.

Themes

Social Breakdown and Corruption

• The landlords' influence on elections highlights political inequality.
• Votes are rigged, and intimidation tactics are used to control election outcomes.
• Balram witnesses a rickshaw puller being beaten for attempting to vote, showing police violence and corruption.

Identity and Reinvention

• Balram's ability to adapt and change identities is central to his survival and ascent.
• Ram Persad, another servant, hides his Muslim faith due to prejudices, which Balram uses to his advantage.
• Balram's cunning and observation skills enable him to rise in status, exploiting others' secrets.

Morality and Indian Society

• Balram justifies his actions by comparing them to systemic corruption, suggesting murder and crime are normalized.
• The corrupt system forces individuals like Balram to adopt similar tactics to succeed.

Characters

• Balram Halwai: The protagonist, who navigates a corrupt society to rise in status.
• Vijay: A former bus driver turned political activist supporting the corrupt party.
• The Great Socialist: Represents the corrupt political system.
• Local Landlords: The Stork, Raven, Wild Boar, and Buffalo, who control political decisions.

Analysis

• The narrative critiques the pervasive corruption in Indian democracy.
• Balram's story reflects the broader social and political issues, illustrating the challenges faced by the lower classes.
• The novel presents a complex moral landscape where traditional notions of right and wrong are blurred.

Conclusion

• Chapter 3 highlights the influence of corruption on identity and politics
• Balram's story is a microcosm of the broader issues in Indian society, questioning the integrity of democracy and morality.

Note: The above summary and analysis are based on Chapter 3 of The White Tiger, focusing on the themes, characters, and social critique presented in the text.