The White Tiger

“The riskiest thing you can do is get greedy.” That is exactly what the protagonist, Balram Halwai, does in order to become successful. Being a loyal worker to anyone around him, Balram realizes soon after that there is more in the world than working for someone. He can be his own boss and he likes that idea more. Greed and the temptation of more takes over his mind and morphs him into a different character. In the novel, The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga, Balram begins by having a sense of self and respect for others, but after realizing that higher success is also achievable it changes him into a darker character with no moralities what so ever, depicting how greed of success can take a man of the right path.

Balram is a considerate, morally correct and loyal man before the presence of eagerness for success enters his mind. Starting his journey in his career as a driver, he is open and commits to sharing his salary with his family and grand-mother, Kusum. His brother tells him that “[Kusum] wants you to sweat by all the gods in heaven that you won't forget her once you get rich,” to which Balram replies, “I swear” (Adiga, 47). His answer is quick and no hesitation is evident in his response implying that another possibility was never an option. His first responsibility with his money goes towards the well-being of his family, back in the home village and not making money for only himself. Also, when revealing to his employers that a fellow employee, Ram Persaud, is of Islamic background, the guilt felt by Balram displays that he is undoubtedly remorseful for his actions. The Stork and his family are against having Muslim workers in the house due to their Hindu background, therefore, Ram Persaud lost his job. He reflects that, ...

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...m and he wants to get the murder over with. He does not go through and second thought, he is sure of himself and his capability to end someone's life. This certainty, in himself marks the complete loss of Balram's previous generosity, and loyalty because of the temptation of success.

Running after success changes Balram from a man with respect for his employers and others around him to a person with no moral compass to guide them in the right direction. His greed changes him into a unrecognizable character whom is not sure who he has become either. His own mind in confused with what he knows is right but what greed tells him to do. Greed is uncontrollable and can change your conscience into something evil.

Works Cited

Adiga, Aravind. The white tiger: a novel. New York: Free Press, 2008. Print.

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