The Home and the World · Chapter
Endnotes explained
This chapter consists of the translator's endnotes, providing cultural, historical, and linguistic context for terms and references used throughout the novel.
What happens
This chapter consists of the translator's endnotes, providing cultural, historical, and linguistic context for terms and references used throughout the novel. The notes explain customs such as the significance of the sari, the practice of taking dust from feet, the concept of purdah, and the hierarchy within a Hindu joint family. They also clarify historical references like the Swadeshi movement and the national song 'Bande Mataram', as well as literary allusions to figures like Sakuntala and the Buddha.
Themes in this chapter
Tradition vs. Modernity
The endnotes explain traditional customs like purdah, the significance of ornaments, and the role of the daughter-in-law, highlighting the traditional social structures that the novel's narrative engages with.
Nationalism and Swadeshi Movement
The notes provide context for the Swadeshi movement and the national song 'Bande Mataram', which are central to the novel's political backdrop.
Characters to notice
- Bimala
Referenced in the note explaining that she is the Chota or Junior Rani, the younger brother's wife.
- Bara Rani
Mentioned in the note defining the terms 'Bara' (Senior) and 'Chota' (Junior) in joint families of rank.
- Chota Rani
Mentioned in the note defining the terms 'Bara' (Senior) and 'Chota' (Junior) in joint families of rank.
- Nikhil
Implied in the note about the husband's customary behavior regarding the zenana, though not directly named.
Key passages
“The mark of Hindu wifehood and the symbol of all the devotion that it implies.”
This is a symbol of a Hindu wife's status and her complete devotion.
Explains the cultural significance of the sari.
“The Nationalist movement, which began more as an economic than a political one, having as its main object the encouragement of indigenous industries.”
The Nationalist movement initially focused on economic goals, particularly promoting local industries.
Provides historical context for the Swadeshi movement.
“Lit. : “Hail Mother;” the opening words of a song by Bankim Chatterjee, the famous Bengali novelist. The song has now become the national anthem, and Bande Mataram the national cry, since the days of the Swadeshi movement.”
The phrase 'Bande Mataram' means 'Hail Mother' and is the opening of a song by Bankim Chatterjee that became a national anthem and cry during the Swadeshi movement.
Explains the origin and significance of the national cry.