"A Real Durwan" is a short story by Jhumpa Lahiri that tells the story of Boori Ma, an elderly woman who serves as a durwan (doorkeeper) in a Calcutta apartment building. The story takes place in the late 1970s, a time of significant political and social upheaval in India.
Throughout the story, we see Boori Ma struggling to hold on to her sense of identity and purpose in a rapidly changing world. Despite her advanced age and declining health, she persists in her role as durwan, a job that requires her to be constantly vigilant and to keep the building's residents in line. However, her efforts are often met with contempt and disrespect from the younger generations, who see her as an outdated and irrelevant figure.
One of the key themes in "A Real Durwan" is the idea of cultural tradition and the difficulties of maintaining it in a rapidly modernizing society. Boori Ma represents the older generation, who were shaped by the traditions and values of their ancestors. She is deeply attached to her role as durwan, which gives her a sense of purpose and belonging in the world. However, the younger generations, who have grown up in a more urban and industrialized society, see her as an obstacle to their own progress and ambitions.
Another important theme in the story is the concept of social hierarchy and class dynamics. Boori Ma is seen as an inferior figure by the other residents of the apartment building, who treat her with contempt and disrespect. She is often the target of their verbal abuse and is viewed as nothing more than a lowly servant. This dynamic is further complicated by the fact that Boori Ma is a poor and uneducated woman, who has very few opportunities to improve her social standing.
Despite these challenges, Boori Ma remains a resilient and determined character. She refuses to give up her role as durwan, even when it becomes clear that she is no longer able to perform her duties to the same standard as before. Her stubbornness and determination serve as a testament to the strength of her cultural traditions and her sense of identity.
In conclusion, "A Real Durwan" is a poignant and thought-provoking story that explores the themes of cultural tradition, social hierarchy, and the challenges of maintaining one's identity in a rapidly changing world. Through the character of Boori Ma, Lahiri provides a powerful commentary on the forces that shape our sense of self and the importance of holding on to our cultural traditions in an increasingly globalized and modernized society.
