Author(s): Fırat YILDIZ
Kiran Desai represents a world full of emotional and partly physical sorrow in The Inheritance of Loss. From the very beginning of the novel until the end the feeling of pessimism embraces you. The gloomy atmosphere is embedded in almost all aspects of the novel. The political unstableness, the harsh natural conditions of the territory, the physical and emotional pains of characters lead to a tragic atmosphere. The story mostly takes place at Kalimpong, which lies at the foothill of Himalayas. Kalimpong goes through a political turmoil. The Nepali minority struggle for their rights. However, they do not hesitate to behave unjustly toward other groups during their strife. Both the rebellions and the police oppress the residents of Kalimpong. In this respect, the political instability causes misery in lives of all ethnic groups. Another hardship that the residents face is the climate. During the wet season, the monsoon rains bring alone an unbearable life. Finally, the main cause of pessimism is projected through the lives of characters. From minor to major characters almost all of them represent an unhappy life. All characters experience a sort of tragedy more or less. Inferior treatment, dreams that come nothing, sorrow of love, loss of the beloved ones are some of the themes that compose a pessimist atmosphere through characters of The Inheritance of Loss.
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