untouchable

Untouchable really did open my eyes to the life of a person who lives in poverty. This novel takes place in India during a time where castes (hereditary groups) greatly influenced who you are and the type of life you would be able to have. Being that as it may, this novel takes you through the life and thoughts of a boy who was born into a lowest-caste family. He has to work as a sweeper, cleaning unsanitary toilets, and brushing down the streets. He has to even announce his mere presence when he is around others of higher-castes. Because if this caste system, that was so prominent during this time, this poor boy had to witness discrimination, and abuse from even his own father. The theme submission and rebellion comes up many times in this novel. For instance, submission comes up when the boy, Bakha, accepts his everyday life working in the latrines and later when he accepts the abuse of the Hindus in the city. His rebellious side comes out when he realizes that his freedom is being taken away. Bakha feels truly free when he is one with nature and his surroundings.