HIMANSHU GURU, OP
Symbolism in American literature is a difficult subject for any scholar, but for the talented few it is a topic of immense significance and interest. JAYADEV KAR is one such committed scholar whose book ‘Symbolism in American Literature’ was recently published in Germany. The book was published by the famous Scholars’ Press in Berlin that caters to the needs of readers in many countries including India, besides having a strong online presence. Jaydev, who has an MPhil in English from Gangadhar Meher University, speaks to SUNDAY POST about his latest publication and its historical importance. Excerpts from an interview:
What was it in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s ‘The Scarlet Letter’ that fascinated you?
Nathaniel Hawthorne is a famous American writer who delves deep into the Biblical principle of sin and redemption in his writing. ‘The Scarlet Letter’ is his magnum opus wherein he describes the dual standards of a pastor named Arthur. Delivering sermons and bringing people back to orbit are the two principal works of a pastor, but here in this novel the pastor himself violates the divine law and goes for debauchery. He seduces a married lady called Hester secretly. When the lady gives birth to a girl child, people take that lady to the church with the accusation of unwedded motherhood. But the pastor himself gives the verdict that the lady would wear a scarlet letter “A” for all time to come. The letter “A” stood for Adultery.
What is the central focus of ‘Symbolism in American literature’?
In this book an attempt has been made to shed light on symbols, to decode the symbols and to identify the various interpretations they generate. The scarlet letter “A” which stood for adultery gradually changed to ability. Because when Hester became old, people gradually forgot her sin and the scarlet letter in her dress also got new meanings.
How to study the use of symbols in Indian literature?
In Indian literature we see use of symbols in many works. Rabindranath Tagore’s ‘The Post Office’ is a brilliant example. The post office is a symbol of the divine angel as a via media. Similarly, in Oriya literature Santanu Kumar Acharya’s ‘Nara Kinnara’ is full of symbols. In the same vein, Arundhati Roy has used the symbol of ‘History House’ in ‘The God of Small Things’. There are several general symbols as well in India. Owl is a symbol of ill omen. Buffalo is a symbol of death and so on.
You are visiting Germany to take classes in English literature?
As I have been selected by the State Selection Board for lectureship in English, I have to join as a lecturer in Orissa very soon. If the higher education department of the state government gives permission, I may go abroad.
You hail from a family of Sanskrit academicians. What urged you to pursue English literature?
I think it was predestined. I want to confess frankly that I secured just 41 per cent in Plus II. I was the last entrant to the English department of Rajendra College. However, I have never looked back since. My father always refers to the Sanskrit phrase ‘Arthakari Cha Bidyaa’, which means education should lead to employment and monetary gain. In the case of Sanskrit today, it is very difficult.
What are your upcoming research projects?
My area of interest is American literature and I am writing a book on the history of American literature.
STUDYING SYMBOLS
In ‘Symbolism in American Literature’ the author tries to decode the symbols in literary discourse from the days of early settlement to the present. Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville and Edgar Allan Poe and Mark Twain have all used symbols in their works. Nathaniel Hawthorne’s magnum opus ‘The Scarlet Letter’ has been analysed from different angles. The symbolic significance of several characters and the ever-changing meaning of the word ‘A’ have been vividly studied. The effect of sin and its evil ramifications in the human mind has also been analysed from a Biblical point of view.