Well, it isn’t Schizophrenia… (2)

Hello, World.

       In my last post, I discussed the multiple identities (and their consequences) of the main character in Jasmine by Bharati Mukherjee. In this post, I am going to continue this sequence by discussing the clay pitcher metaphor throughout the book.

       The clay pitcher metaphor is an ambiguous recurring metaphor throughout the book which undoubtedly has an important significance. Mukherjee introduces it through the villagers in Jasmine's hometown, Hasnapur: “The villagers say when a clay pitcher breaks, you see that the air inside it is the same as outside. Vimla set herself on fire fire because she had broken her pitchers; she saw there were no insides and outsides. We are just shells of the same Absolute," (15). In my opinion, the author introduces this metaphor to emphasize the culture clashes that Jasmine faces to explain the difference between her internal and external selves, the her soul/personality and the variable environment around her. There are numerous dichotomies throughout the book, including a clash between her internal and external selves. Her internal self constantly tells her to have good morals and to stay true to her heritage whilst her external self seeks out happiness (which mainly consists of a significant other). This is evident when Jasmine says: “Fact is, there was a difference. My father was right to notice it and to let it set a standard. But that pitcher is broken. It is the same air this side as that. He’ll never see Lahore again and I never have. Only a fool would let it rule his life.” (43). She talks about the difference between her old and new life, and the consequences that occur because of that difference.
       This dichotomy reflects the same battle between her soul/personality and her constantly changing environment. When she becomes a rape-victim, when she arrives to America, she contemplates suicide and takes a giant step towards death. Her balance, her sanity, and her life are very shaky because her femininity has just been violated and because she has just completed the largest 'etape' between her old culture and her new one. She prays to the God of Death, and says that the “The pitcher is broken” (120). The pitcher, in this instance, represents the emotional balance that can be easily disturbed in a cultural clash.
       I will conclude this sequence with my discussion of the stereotypes and ignorance she faces as well as the recurring clothing motif in Jasmine.

Goodbye, World.