The Home and the World · Chapter
XVII explained
Bimala, determined to raise funds for the Swadeshi cause, entrusts her jewel box to Amulya, instructing him to sell or pawn the jewels for six thousand rupees.
What happens
Bimala, determined to raise funds for the Swadeshi cause, entrusts her jewel box to Amulya, instructing him to sell or pawn the jewels for six thousand rupees. Sandip, suspicious and jealous, confronts Bimala, accusing her of favoring Amulya. Their exchange reveals a power struggle, with Bimala asserting her independence. Nikhil interrupts, warning Sandip of threats from local Muslims, and later admonishes Sandip for oppressing tenants. Bimala reflects on her growing disillusionment with Sandip and her resolve to protect Amulya from his influence.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Exploitation
Bimala and Sandip engage in a power struggle, with Sandip attempting to exploit Bimala's devotion and Bimala asserting her own agency.
Deception and Self-Deception
Bimala deceives Sandip about the jewel box, while Sandip rationalizes his exploitation of Bimala's resources under the guise of patriotism.
Idealism vs. Pragmatism
Amulya's idealistic justification for taking money contrasts with Bimala's pragmatic need to raise funds, and Nikhil's practical warnings stand against Sandip's grand rhetoric.
Characters to notice
- Bimala
Takes decisive action by giving her jewels to Amulya to raise funds, defies Sandip's authority, and reflects on her moral decline.
- Sandip Babu
Shows jealousy and anger over Bimala's trust in Amulya, attempts to assert control, and receives a warning from Nikhil about local unrest.
- Amulya
Accepts Bimala's mission to sell her jewels, expresses shame over past actions, and is caught between loyalty to Bimala and Sandip.
- Nikhil
Warns Sandip of danger from local Muslims and confronts him about oppressing tenants, showing his pragmatic and protective nature.
- Bara Rani
Briefly appears when Bimala attempts to leave her jewels with her, but declines the responsibility.
Key passages
“I brought out my jewel-box from the folds of my shawl and placed it before him. 'Sell or pawn these,' I said, 'and get me six thousand rupees as fast as ever you can.'”
Bimala gives Amulya her jewel box and instructs him to sell or pawn the jewels to raise six thousand rupees quickly.
Bimala's decisive action to fund the movement, showing her commitment and desperation.
“The moment I had stolen my husband’s money and paid it to Sandip, the music that was in our relations stopped.”
After Bimala stole money from her husband and gave it to Sandip, the harmony in their relationship ended.
Bimala reflects on the moral cost of her actions and the deterioration of her relationship with Sandip.
“Sandip is right when he suspects that though I, for myself, may be ready to die at his hands, this boy I shall wean from him and save.”
Bimala acknowledges that while she might be willing to die for Sandip, she is determined to rescue Amulya from his influence.
Bimala's protective instinct toward Amulya, recognizing his innocence and vulnerability.