The Home and the World · Chapter
XIII explained
Bimala, under Sandip's influence, resolves to enforce the Swadeshi boycott of foreign goods in the market at Suksar, despite Nikhil's opposition to coercion.
What happens
Bimala, under Sandip's influence, resolves to enforce the Swadeshi boycott of foreign goods in the market at Suksar, despite Nikhil's opposition to coercion. She feels empowered as Shakti, believing her presence inspires devotion and transformation in others, including the young Amulya. She summons Nikhil, intending to assert her will, but is haunted by memories of their past intimacy.
Themes in this chapter
Nationalism and Swadeshi Movement
Bimala's determination to enforce the boycott of foreign goods in the market reflects the militant phase of the Swadeshi movement.
Deception and Self-Deception
Bimala's belief in her own Shakti and power is a self-deception that blinds her to the consequences of her actions.
Characters to notice
- Bimala
Resolves to enforce the boycott, feeling empowered as Shakti, but is conflicted by memories of her husband.
- Sandip Babu
Lays down the plan to drive out foreign articles and influences, and praises Bimala's Shakti.
- Nikhil
Refuses to use coercion, only speechifying, and is the object of Bimala's summons.
- Amulya
Mentioned as a young disciple of Sandip who is inspired by Bimala's presence.
Key passages
“I knew how deep was my husband’s love for me. Had I been in my senses I should have allowed myself to be torn to pieces rather than assert my claim to that, at such a time.”
Bimala acknowledges that she is exploiting Nikhil's love for her, and that in her right mind she would never do so.
Highlights her awareness of her manipulation and the moral conflict within her.
“Listening to his allegories, I had forgotten that I was plain and simple Bimala. I was Shakti; also an embodiment of Universal joy.”
Bimala loses her sense of ordinary identity under Sandip's influence, seeing herself as a divine force.
Shows the psychological transformation induced by Sandip's rhetoric.