Random notes

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A FEW MORE WORDS ABOUT 'TIGER HILLS'

We know that many of the characters in great classical works are more real than real men and women.They share their ontological agonies and sharp edged moral dilemmas with every new generation or to put it in the words of Umberto Eco readers of every generation 'make emotional investments on them.'
Devi and Devanna of 'Tiger Hills'are of a different sort.They are simple human beings.Their existential issues and tensions are not multidimensional.They never come out freely from the limitations of 'Family Drama'.But the possibilities hidden in them to be raised to the heights of classical characters are reminded on several occassions and that itself is a commendable merit of the work.
I was deeply touched by a statement made by Dr.Ramaswamy,one of the many insignificant characters in the novel.When Devi asked him 'Why?Why Devanna?'meaning why Devanna became a prey to the brutal rage of Martin Thomas without any apparent reason Dr.Ramaswamy sighed absently rubbing the edge of his stethescope against his sleeve."Who can say madam?Sometimes it would seem,we are simply cast in the path of misfotune."Dr.Ramaswamy's words do not have great philosophical connotations.But the tragedy in Devanna's life could not be defined better and I felt a burden over my heart akin to that I had experienced in many a similar situations in life.