Deconstructive reading of The Purpose

1. “The Purpose”
-T.P.Kailasam
Prepared by Minkal Italiya
Sem:3
English Department, MKBU

2. - “Father of Modern Kannada
drama”
- “The Father of Humorous Play”

3. The Purpose (1994)
- Mythological theme: Mahabharata
- Two acts
- Eklavya, Arjuna and
Guru Drona
Represents Eklavya’s youthful idealism

4. Two acts
1. Guru Drona wanted to accept Eklavya(Nishad boy))
as a pupil but he didn’t.
conflict between Eklavya and Arjuna.
Caste conflict.
2. Six years later when Eklavya was mastered in
Archery and
Guru Drona was being insulted as ‘liar’ by Arjuna.

5. Three Kinds of Human Actions
1. Action for the purpose of livelihood
Acharya Drona’s action
2. Action for the selfish purpose
Arjuna’s action
3. Action for the selfless purpose
Eklavya’s action

6. Arjuna’s action for selfish purpose
 Put a accusation on his teacher as a “Liar”
He does not hesitate in the blaming his guru in the presence of
Eklavya
He is a warrior but acts like a hunter
 Provokes Eklavya to cut off his thumb
Purpose of learning archery – wants to
become great archer in the world

7. Eklavya’s action for selfless purpose
 He is not being able to tolerate accusation on his guru as
a “Liar”
“Gurujee! You will keep your promise...and I will stop his
mouth forever.”
 Cut off his right thumb and places it into Drona’s feet
 He is a hunter but acts like warrior
 Purpose of learning archery – Protection of the deer and
fawns from the wolves

8. What are your views about subaltern?
Can Subaltern speak?

9. Hints and suggestion of colonial expansion
Eklavya - the freedom fighters
Wolves - English ruler
Deer and fawns - people of India
Arjuna - the feudal lords who helps
the woves

10. Conclusion
The indifference portrayal allows us to question on
usefulness of loyalty.
Which version you like the most?
Original episode from Mahabharata
Or
Retelling of old story?

11. Thank you