Society's expectations influence characters from "summary" of Godan by Munshi Premchand
The characters in 'Godan' are deeply influenced by the expectations of society. The protagonist, Hori, is a poor farmer who is constantly struggling to meet the societal expectations of being a good husband, father, and provider. He is weighed down by the burden of these expectations, which push him to make choices that are not always in his best interest. For example, Hori is expected to marry off his daughter in a respectable manner, even though he cannot afford the dowry. This societal expectation drives him to take out a loan that he knows he cannot repay, leading to a series of disastrous consequences for him and his family. Similarly, his son Gobar is expected to follow in his father's footsteps and become a farmer, despite his own dreams of becoming a teacher. The character of Dhania is also deeply affected by society's expectations. She is a strong-willed woman who defies traditional gender roles by working as a laborer to support her family. However, she faces backlash and criticism from the community for not conforming to their expectations of how a woman should behave. Even characters like Seliya, who are not directly impacted by societal expectations, are still influenced by them. Seliya is a prostitute who is judged and looked down upon by society, despite the fact that she is simply trying to survive in a harsh and unforgiving world.- 'Godan' illustrates how society's expectations can shape and mold the characters in profound ways. These expectations create a web of pressure and obligation that the characters must navigate, often at great personal cost. The novel serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that societal norms and conventions can have on individuals, and the sometimes devastating consequences of trying to live up to them.
