Literary Devices Employed by Ruskin Bond in The Boy Who Broke the Bank
Ruskin Bond, a master of simple yet evocative storytelling, uses various literary devices in his short story The Boy Who Broke the Bank to enhance the narrative and bring out its deeper themes. The story, set in the quaint town of Malgudi, humorously and poignantly explores the themes of innocence, the value of relationships, and the consequences of unintended actions. Bond’s use of literary devices such as characterization, irony, symbolism, imagery, and humor enriches the story and makes it resonate with readers.
1. Characterization
Ruskin Bond’s characterization is central to the story, particularly in his portrayal of the protagonist, Sundar, a seemingly ordinary boy who, through an innocent mistake, becomes the cause of chaos in a local bank. Bond uses Sundar’s character to reflect both the simplicity of youth and the unpredictability of life. Sundar’s innocence is emphasized through his naivety about the consequences of his actions. His mistake—breaking the bank—stems from a lack of understanding about the impact of his actions on the larger world around him. Through this, Bond makes a subtle commentary on the role of young people in society and how sometimes, their naivety can lead to unexpected and significant outcomes.
Moreover, the character of the bank manager is used to contrast Sundar’s innocence with the practical, often rigid, world of adults. The manager’s reaction to Sundar’s mistake—initially one of disbelief and frustration—eventually gives way to a deeper understanding of the boy's innocence, reinforcing the theme of how the adults' world is often disconnected from the innocence of childhood.
2. Irony
One of the most prominent literary devices in The Boy Who Broke the Bank is irony, especially situational irony. The title itself is ironic, as it suggests that the boy has broken the bank in a literal sense. However, when the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the bank is not physically broken, but rather, the event that leads to the chaos is due to a series of small, seemingly insignificant errors by Sundar, culminating in an unintended financial debacle. The bank “breaks” not because of a grand scheme but because of a chain of unintentional actions, highlighting the unpredictability and irony of life.
The story also employs dramatic irony. As readers, we are aware of the humor behind Sundar’s innocent mistake, while the characters in the story, particularly the bank manager and the townsfolk, initially react with alarm, unaware that the true cause of the commotion is not a malicious or deliberate act, but a harmless and unintentional one. This creates a comic juxtaposition between the characters' perceptions and the reality of the situation.
3. Humor and Satire
Humor is a key component in Ruskin Bond’s writing, and The Boy Who Broke the Bank is no exception. Bond uses humor both as a narrative tool and as a way of addressing serious themes. The entire premise of the story, in which a young boy unintentionally causes a banking catastrophe, is inherently comic. Bond's lighthearted treatment of an otherwise potentially serious situation makes the story enjoyable and accessible.
However, within the humor, there is also a subtle satire of the adult world, particularly the overblown importance of financial institutions and bureaucratic systems. The bank's overreaction to Sundar’s actions, coupled with the absurdity of a small boy unintentionally causing such a ruckus, pokes fun at the rigidity and lack of perspective in adult institutions. The adult characters, especially the bank manager, are portrayed as overly serious, caught up in their professional roles, and unable to appreciate the innocent humor of the situation.
4. Imagery
Ruskin Bond is known for his vivid imagery, and in this story, he paints pictures of the town of Malgudi, its people, and the events that unfold. The setting, a small, almost idyllic town, is described in simple yet evocative terms. Bond’s use of visual imagery brings the surroundings to life. For instance, the description of the bank and the bustling activity within it allows the reader to imagine the scene vividly. This imagery not only establishes a sense of place but also reflects the contrast between the quiet, peaceful world of the boy and the chaotic, structured world of the adult establishment.
Furthermore, Bond uses symbolic imagery to deepen the narrative. The "bank," traditionally a symbol of security, order, and financial stability, becomes a place of chaos when Sundar, with his innocent mistake, inadvertently disrupts it. This irony in symbolism—turning a place of order into one of disorder—serves to reinforce the story’s theme that life’s most significant events often arise from simple, unintentional actions.
5. Symbolism
In The Boy Who Broke the Bank, symbolism is used effectively to highlight the theme of innocence versus the adult world. The "broken bank" is symbolic of the vulnerability of systems that we assume are invulnerable. A small, innocent action—Sundar's accidental error—shakes the very foundation of a seemingly stable institution. This symbolizes how often, in life, small, unexpected actions can disrupt the most rigid and established systems, making the world seem unpredictable and chaotic.
Moreover, the boy Sundar himself can be seen as a symbol of youth and innocence, whose lack of understanding about the consequences of his actions serves as a critique of adult overcomplication and formality. His unintentional chaos highlights the simplicity and unpredictability of life from the perspective of a child.
6. Narrative Voice and Tone
The narrative voice in The Boy Who Broke the Bank is third-person omniscient, allowing readers insight into the thoughts and feelings of both the boy and the bank manager. This perspective enables Bond to shift between humor and seriousness effectively, providing a balanced view of the situation from both the child’s innocent viewpoint and the adult’s pragmatic approach. The tone is lighthearted and often ironic, making the narrative both engaging and thought-provoking.
Conclusion
In The Boy Who Broke the Bank, Ruskin Bond uses a variety of literary devices to create a story that is both humorous and insightful. Through his use of characterization, irony, humor, symbolism, and imagery, Bond highlights the theme of innocence in conflict with the adult world. The story is a light-hearted exploration of how small, unintended actions can disrupt the established order of things, while also offering a critique of the seriousness with which adults approach life. Bond’s clever narrative techniques make The Boy Who Broke the Bank an enjoyable yet thoughtful commentary on human nature and the complexity of adult society.
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