Samskara: A Rite for a Dead Man Essay Questions

What is the caste system?

The caste system is a religious division of social order that is a dominant feature of the Hindu religion. It divides people into five groups: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras, and Dalits. It dictated the class structure in India for many years, before being curbed by secular government in the 1950s and 1980s. It primarily benefited the Brahmins, who are the highest social class, and was used to justify the oppression of the lower classes.

What is the catalyst for the events of the novel?

Naranappa's demise is the catalyst for the events of the novel. His death sends the community into turmoil, as they are forced to take stock of his life. They criticize him for drinking, eating meat, fishing from the temple pond, and, above all else, leaving his wife for a woman of a lower caste. No one wants to be involved in performing the rites. Yet, because they did not excommunicate him formally, they cannot leave his body unattended. This central issue drives the unrest in the village and sets off Praneshacharya's spiritual crisis.

What major events shake Praneshacharya's faith?

Praneshacharya's faith is shaken by the death of his wife and his sexual encounter with Chandri. By sleeping with Chandri, Praneshacharya feels that he has forfeited any right to be a spiritual leader to the community. He feels that he has transgressed and given into base desires, which runs directly counter to all of his morals. The death of his wife marks the end of his marriage, which also ends his service to his wife. He viewed his daily care for her as an act of penance and devotion, and without it, he feels spiritually adrift. These two events damage Praneshacharya's sense of spiritual self and shake his moral foundation.

What does Praneshacharya feel most ashamed about?

Praneshacharya agonizes a great deal over having slept with Chandri. He becomes not so much ashamed of the act itself, or his feelings of desire, as the sense that he did not choose consciously. He feels that sleeping with her was done without awareness, as he gave in to urges without considering their impact. In contrast, he feels that if he were to be with her again or move in with her, that would be a more honest thing to do, as it would be a choice he made deliberately and with a great deal of care. For Praneshacharya, thoughtless actions are the most egregious ones.

What is hypocritical about Garuda and Lakshmana's behavior?

Garuda and Lakshmana's behavior is hypocritical because they benefit from being Brahmin and identify with it strongly, but do not carry its values. Both men bicker viciously over Naranappa's wealth but show no interest in performing Naranappa's funeral rites. This embarrasses everyone at the temple and irks Praneshacharya. They are hypocrites because they want the material wealth that comes with being a Brahmin, but don't want to take part in its ceremonies and rules.