Why do you think that Bapsi Sidhwa employed a girl-child as the narrator of the novel Ice-Candy Man? Give a reasoned answer
Bapsi Sidhwa’s novel Ice-Candy Man, also published as Cracking India, is set during the time of India’s Partition in 1947. It tells the story of this violent and painful period through the eyes of a young girl named Lenny. She is a Parsi child living in Lahore, and she becomes a silent witness to the horror, confusion, and loss caused by Partition. Using a child narrator is a powerful literary technique that adds depth and innocence to the story. Let us explore why Sidhwa chose this narrative style and what impact it has on the reader.
1. Innocence and Honesty
One of the main reasons Sidhwa chose a girl-child as the narrator is the natural innocence that comes with childhood. Lenny sees events without bias or political agendas. Her voice is honest and curious. She doesn’t fully understand the politics of religion, identity, or power, but she describes what she sees and hears. This honesty allows readers to experience the truth of Partition through fresh and unfiltered eyes.
2. The Power of an Observing Outsider
Lenny belongs to the Parsi community, which stayed neutral during the Hindu-Muslim-Sikh conflicts of Partition. Because of this, she is somewhat of an outsider. She observes everything but is not directly involved in the violence or political divisions. This position makes her a perfect narrator. She can move between different communities, hear their stories, and show how people changed during the Partition period. Her observations allow readers to see both the good and the evil in all groups.
3. Loss of Innocence Reflects the Nation’s Pain
As the story progresses, Lenny grows up and begins to understand the harsh realities around her. She witnesses brutality, betrayal, and suffering. Her personal journey of growing up mirrors the country’s loss of innocence. Just like India was divided and torn apart, Lenny’s world also breaks. The people she trusts, like the Ice-Candy Man and Ayah, are caught in a storm of hatred and violence. This symbolic link between Lenny’s personal growth and the nation’s trauma makes the story more meaningful.
4. Emotional Impact
Having a child narrate such a tragic story adds emotional weight. When readers see violence and suffering through a child’s eyes, the effect is more powerful. For example, Lenny’s description of Ayah’s abduction is heart-breaking. She cannot fully grasp what is happening, but her sadness and helplessness are clear. This technique makes the story more moving and helps the reader feel the pain of loss and confusion during Partition.
5. Simplicity in Language and View
Since Lenny is a child, her language is simple, direct, and full of curiosity. This makes the novel easy to read and emotionally accessible. The straightforward style of storytelling is helpful in dealing with a complex and painful topic like Partition. Readers can understand the events more clearly because they are explained in basic, yet powerful, words.
6. Creating a Unique Perspective
Lenny offers a different perspective from adult narrators. Her view is not shaped by politics, religion, or fear. She observes how ordinary people—friends, servants, neighbors—change as Partition divides the country. Her world is a mix of small joys, daily routines, and big tragedies. This mixture of the personal and political gives the novel its unique tone. Readers are drawn into Lenny’s world and feel close to the events she describes.
Conclusion
Bapsi Sidhwa’s decision to use a girl-child as the narrator in Ice-Candy Man gives the novel a strong emotional and symbolic depth. Lenny’s innocence, honesty, and outsider status make her a perfect lens through which to view the violence and confusion of Partition. Her journey from childhood to awareness mirrors the story of a divided nation. By telling a difficult history through the eyes of a child, Sidhwa helps readers feel the pain, confusion, and tragedy of Partition in a personal and unforgettable way.