Dramatic Personas
Kambed, Debnauth and Ram Lochun are Orthodox Hindus. Lallchand is the proprietor of a newspaper and Mohadeb is a Hindu. Turkolunkar and Bydhabagis are two Brahmins. Bany Lal or Bany, Shamnauth, Indranauth, Chunder Coomar or Chandra Kumar are Young Hindus. Bhyrub, Kadur Mohan, Sumbal or Sambal Chand, Hari Chand or Ram Mohan are Hindu youths. Denonauth is the son of Debanauth. The other characters are An Old Servant, A Young Servant and A Brahmin.
Act I Scene I
The Act depicts a scene in Mohadeb’s house where a young servant observes the contrast between excessive devotion and indulgence in beef by the young master. An old servant enters, expressing concern over the intrusion of vice into the once pure household. He reveals that the eldest son, Banylal, and his friends engaged in sacrilegious acts, disrespecting religion and tradition. The old servant is determined to inform the master, despite the young servant’s attempt to dissuade him.
Banylal, the young master, is caught off guard when the old servant informs him of his actions being witnessed. He contemplates the consequences of his actions, anticipating his father’s reaction and the impact on the family’s reputation. The clash between his liberal views and traditional beliefs is evident, leading to internal conflict and fear of his father’s response.
The young servant, fearing detection and punishment, seeks reassurance from Banylal. Despite the potential consequences, Banylal remains resolute in his beliefs and actions, prepared for the inevitable clash between prejudice and liberalism within the household. The scene ends with Banylal dismissing the young servant’s concerns and preparing for bed, reflecting the underlying tension and impending consequences within the family.
Scene II
The characters, Turk and Bydh, discuss the advantages of being Brahmins and how they exploit the ignorance and superstitions of others for their own gain. They mock the people who worship them and consider them as gods, calling them fools and jackasses.
Turk and Bydh express their desire for the continued ignorance and superstition of the people, as it benefits them financially. They acknowledge that their position and influence as Brahmins are not due to their own qualifications or merits, but rather the beliefs propagated by their predecessors.
They discuss the indifference and lack of respect shown by the younger generation towards them, attributing it to their exposure to European ideas and influence. Turk expresses his fear that the Europeans’ dislike for the Brahmins and their desire for equality may threaten their influence.
Bydh reassures Turk that their position is secure and that the Hindus’ adoration and belief in their sanctity will not waver. They encourage each other to continue their deceitful practices and tricks on the Hindus, as they believe their position is strong and they have control over people’s minds.
Scene III
Moha is distressed and shocked by something he has seen or heard. An old servant confirms that he saw what happened and describes the scene. Moha is concerned about who was with his son and their actions. Moha is devastated by the news that his son was among the group and consumed meat.
Moha questions why his son has deviated from their family’s traditions and feels ashamed. Moha laments the loss of his son’s reputation and the impact it will have on their family. The old servant tries to comfort Moha, but he is inconsolable and believes there is no happiness left for him. Moha expresses his despair and wishes he had died before learning about his son’s actions.
Moha fears that he will be scorned and hated by others because of his son’s behavior. Moha reflects on his previous pride in his son’s intelligence and influence, but now feels betrayed and disappointed. Moha questions why his son turned out this way while others remained virtuous.
Moha’s hopes for his son to elevate their family name have been shattered, and he feels his ancestors’ reputation has been tarnished. Moha wishes for death to escape the misery of cutting ties with his son and avoiding his company. The scene ends with Moha falling into a trance, overwhelmed by his misfortunes.
Act II Scene I
The scene opens in a parlour, Mahadeb’s house. The Old Servant enters and he questions why he is paid for his mechanical duties but also treated with regard and affection by his master. He believes that the affection and attachment from kind masters towards their servants stem from mutual sympathy and sincere interest in their well-being.
The master, Mohadeb, has always treated him as part of the family, showing concern for his sickness and happiness for his prosperity. The servant’s master is currently in a miserable state of mind, possibly due to the disgraceful behavior of his son.
The Old Servant contemplates how to bring his master’s spirit back up and wonders if he should ask the son for help, fearing contempt. He questions his own value compared to his master’s horse and feels guilty for not doing enough to repay his master’s kindness. He feels duty, gratitude, and humanity calling upon him to take action. he hears a voice accusing him of being ungrateful and feels ashamed for not being by his master’s side during his grief.
Scene II
The scene portrays a conversation between Moha and Bany, where Moha expresses his distress over Bany’s actions that may bring shame upon the family. Moha pleads with Bany to consider the consequences of his actions and to prioritize the family’s reputation. Bany, on the other hand, stands firm in his commitment to truth and refuses to utter falsehoods to save himself from excommunication. Moha is deeply troubled by Bany’s unwavering stance and fears the ruin that may befall the family due to Bany’s choices. Bany, however, questions the impact of knowledge on relationships and the conflict between truth and familial obligations. Ultimately, Bany chooses to uphold truth over familial expectations, highlighting the internal struggle between personal integrity and societal norms.
Scene III
Turkolunkar and Bydhabagis had a meeting where Bydhabagis admitted to getting drunk at his sisho’s house. Bydhabagis explained that he allowed drinking to his followers as their Gooroo, inventing doctrines for them to follow. Turkolunkar was surprised by this revelation but found it cunning. They discussed a plan to take advantage of a rumor about someone eating beef to harm him. They feared that their religion, Braminism, was at stake due to those who preached against them. Bydhabagis suggested enlisting Lallchand, who had influence and could help them. They agreed to meet Lallchand after breakfast to discuss further actions.
Scene IV
Lallchand and Pundit discuss writing against villains and heresy fearlessly. Lallchand instructs Pundit to write about a certain occurrence and abuse the person involved without being accused of libel. Lallchand expresses concern about the rise of heretical opinions and the decline of Hinduism. Lallchand contemplates how to raise his son, considering whether to train him in the orthodox or heretical way. Lallchand ponders the expense of keeping his son in school and the need to implant heretical opinions in his mind. Turkolunkar and Bydhabagis visit Lallchand, expressing their concern about young people eating beef and asking for his advice. Lallchand suggests raising false reports, exaggerating causes, and prejudice against those involved to turn public opinion against them. Lallchand plans to summon a meeting to order Mahadeb to turn his son out. Turkolunkar and Bydhabagis admire Lallchand’s ardor for religion and promise to spread the message against those involved. Lallchand laughs at their praise and contemplates changing his nature if necessary.
Act III Scene I
Lallchand is sitting with a servant, discussing the circulation of a document. Lallchand plans to receive visitors and wants to make a strong impression on them. Lallchand expresses his frustration with those who criticize him and his hypocrisy. Lallchand mentions individuals who he sees as enemies and vows to confront them. Kamdeb and Debnauth express their disapproval of the younger generation’s behavior. Lallchand suggests excommunicating those who go against their religious beliefs. Lallchand’s feet are burned by a hookah, causing him pain. Lallchand plans to publish an article about Banylal’s expulsion from his house. Lallchand dictates a letter to expel Kamdeb from his house, but there are misunderstandings. Lallchand drinks brandy and expresses his satisfaction with his revenge against Banylal. Lallchand falls and injures his feet, requiring assistance from the bearers.
Scene II
The scene takes place in Mohadeb’s house. Mohadeb is hesitant to do something because of what someone has done. Mohadeb expresses his despair and curses the day that changed his son. Bydhabagis urges Mohadeb to sign a paper, but Mohadeb hesitates and expresses his inability to sign it. Turkolunkar threatens Mohadeb, saying that his tenderness towards his son outweighs his virtue. Mohadeb bows down before Turkolunkar and offers him money.
Turkolunkar reveals that he was joking and knows that Mohadeb cannot sign the paper. Bydhabagis is disappointed that Mohadeb cannot sign the paper. Turkolunkar and Bydhabagis discuss the division of a sum of money, with Turkolunkar claiming a larger share. Bydhabagis threatens to tell someone named Lall Chand about Turkolunkar’s tricks. Turkolunkar dismisses Bydhabagis’ threats and leaves. Bydhabagis plans to divulge Turkolunkar’s secrets and destroy his influence. Bydhabagis also plans to confront Turkolunkar and cut him off from wealthy individuals.
Scene III
Turkolunkar is contemplating the consequences of not allowing half of what Mohadeb gave to someone, fearing that revealing their respective habits could ruin them both. The dilemma arises whether to risk so much or give in to the demands. The fear of feeding the other person’s vanity by yielding to their wishes is intolerable. The concern is raised about contradicting each other in public, leading to disbelief from others. Despite the risk of being disbelieved, the decision is made not to yield to the demands. The possibility of being accused of being bribed by Mohadeb is a serious concern, leading to thoughts of forging his signature to avoid consequences. The logic of necessity having no law is used to justify the action of urging Mohadeb to sign the paper. Ultimately, the decision is made to hasten and obtain the signature to avoid potential harm.
Krishna Mohan Banerjee The Persecuted Act 4 & Act 5 Summary
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