A Bend in the River: Analysis of Major Characters
"A Bend in the River" features a rich tapestry of characters navigating the complexities of life in postcolonial Africa. The protagonist, Salim, a man of Indian descent, grapples with his identity and sense of belonging as he runs a shop in a town marked by political upheaval and civil strife. His interaction with characters like Ferdinand, a young boy who becomes an official, underscores the struggles of the "new Africans" coming to terms with their nation's instability. Metty, Salim's half-African assistant, embodies the tension between loyalty and betrayal, complicating their relationship as he ultimately turns against Salim. The presence of Father Huismans, a Belgian priest, highlights the cultural exchanges and tragic consequences of colonial encounters. Meanwhile, Yvette, the wife of a European advisor, sparks a tumultuous affair with Salim, revealing themes of power dynamics and personal conflict. Salim’s friendships with Mahesh and Shoba, an elderly Indian couple, provide a poignant contrast as they cling to their heritage amidst the chaos. Together, these characters create a narrative that explores identity, betrayal, and the shifting landscapes of modern Africa.
A Bend in the River: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: V. S. Naipaul
First published: 1979
Genre: Novel
Locale: the African interior
Plot: Psychological realism
Time: The late 1960's to the mid-1970's
Salim, the narrator. Born and reared on the eastern coast of Africa, Salim does not feel himself to be a true African because his ancestors were Hindus of northwestern India. From an early age, Salim detached himself from his familiar community and now feels insecure and uncertain about his future in postcolonial Africa. Although nominally a Muslim, he lacks the religious sense of his family. When Nazruddin, a Europeanized Muslim and family friend, offers to sell him his shop in an unidentified country in central Africa, Salim accepts and drives there to take over the business. Racked by recently won independence, military coups, and civil war, the town is not at all what Salim expected based on Nazruddin's enthusiastic descriptions. Gradually, the town comes back to life, business improves, and Salim becomes acquainted with a few of the non-African townspeople. Disorder returns to the town, however, and Salim again decides to break with his community. He travels to England to see Nazruddin's daughter, to whom he has been engaged informally for many years. By mutual agreement, they end the engagement. Salim returns to the town, but, in his absence, it has become radicalized, and Salim's shop has been taken over by a state trustee. Salim is betrayed and arrested for illegally possessing ivory, but he escapes. At the end of the novel, Salim leaves the town by steamer, presumably for Europe, moving down the river in darkness, away from the last scene of battle.
Ferdinand, a boy of fifteen or sixteen when he first comes from his isolated village. He is entrusted to Salim by his mother, Zabeth, one of Salim's principal traders who also is a sorceress. Ferdinand is ignorant, proud, and diligent. Eventually he becomes an official of the government. One of the “new Africans,” he knows that he, too, is doomed by the turmoil and treachery of his countrymen. He helps Salim escape after Salim is betrayed by his assistant, Metty, and jailed for illegally possessing ivory.
Metty, the half-African boy who had been a slave in Salim's family compound and who comes to live and work with him. Their relationship is uneasy and ambivalent. During the course of the novel, Metty grows up, fathers a family secretly, and betrays Salim, who has protected and cared for him.
Father Huismans, a Belgian priest who teaches at the lycée that Ferdinand attends as a boy. An ardent lover of African art and culture, Father Huismans is senselessly killed by enraged bushmen during one of his collecting trips.
Raymond, a scholarly, reclusive European who is also an expert on Africa, in its political and historical aspects. He serves as an adviser to the president until the insurrection. Salim meets him at a party, but the two do not really become friends. Raymond is abandoned by the president and disappointed in his hopes but does not leave the town.
Yvette, Raymond's glamorous young wife, with whom Salim has a passionate affair. When she insults him by comparing him to Raymond, Salim beats her in uncontrolled fury, and the affair ends as she returns to her husband.
Mahesh and Shoba, an elderly Indian couple who become Salim's closest friends. Deserted by their family, they live and act as if they were still at home in India. During the boom, they establish a Bigburger Shop, which brings them out of their self-imposed seclusion; the shop is a novelty in the town and very successful. When Salim leaves, he cannot bring himself to say good-bye to them.