Why did Ms. Biswas want a house? Base your answer keeping the diasporic sensibility in mind
V.S. Naipaul’s novel A House for Mr. Biswas tells the story of Mohun Biswas, a man of Indo-Trinidadian descent, who dreams of owning a house. On the surface, his desire for a house may seem simple—a wish for comfort and security. However, when we consider the diasporic context, his longing becomes a symbol of identity, belonging, and freedom. Mr. Biswas’s struggle represents the experience of many people in the Indian diaspora who were uprooted from their homeland and forced to make a place for themselves in new lands.
1. Displacement and the Search for Identity
Mr. Biswas is a descendant of Indian laborers who were brought to the Caribbean as part of British colonial rule. These people had no roots in the land they lived in and were often poor and voiceless. For Mr. Biswas, owning a house means more than having a roof over his head. It means creating a space where he can be his own person—free from the control of others. In this sense, the house becomes a symbol of identity. In a world where he constantly feels small and powerless, building a house is a way for him to say, “I matter.”
2. Resistance Against the Tulsis
Much of Mr. Biswas’s life is spent under the influence of the Tulsi family, into which he marries. The Tulsis represent traditional authority and collective identity. In contrast, Mr. Biswas wants individuality. Living in the Tulsi household makes him feel lost and controlled. His dream of owning his own house reflects his desire to escape this domination. In the diasporic context, this can be seen as the struggle between maintaining cultural traditions and finding one’s own voice in a foreign land.
3. House as Symbol of Stability
Diasporic individuals often live with a sense of rootlessness. They feel they don’t fully belong anywhere. Mr. Biswas grows up moving from place to place, never truly feeling settled. For him, a house is not just a physical structure—it is emotional stability. It is a place where he can raise his children, write his thoughts, and live with dignity. It offers safety in a world where everything feels uncertain. This need for stability is a common theme in diasporic literature.
4. Economic Struggle and Aspiration
Owning a house is also a sign of success. Mr. Biswas spends most of his life in low-paying jobs and lives in poor conditions. Despite many failures, he keeps chasing his dream. His journey reflects the economic hardships faced by many people in diasporic communities. The house becomes a goal that gives meaning to his struggle. It stands for hope and upward movement in society.
5. Emotional and Psychological Fulfillment
Throughout the novel, Mr. Biswas feels like he has no control over his life. He faces humiliation, rejection, and loss. The house becomes a way to gain control and self-respect. When he finally gets his own house—though it is small and incomplete—it represents a personal victory. It brings peace to his mind and soul. In the end, owning a house means that his life was not wasted; he achieved something lasting.
6. The Broader Diasporic Sensibility
In diasporic literature, themes like belonging, identity, and home are central. Mr. Biswas’s desire for a house captures all of these themes. His struggle mirrors the broader search for meaning among people who live between two cultures. The house, though physical, becomes a deep symbol of psychological and cultural fulfillment.
Conclusion
Mr. Biswas wanted a house not just to live in, but to live freely and with dignity. His journey reflects the emotional and cultural struggles of the diasporic individual. In a world where he felt like a nobody, the house made him feel like a somebody. Through his desire, V.S. Naipaul gives voice to the silent hopes of millions who try to build a life in lands far from home.