The Home and the World

Book excerpt: Written by the 1913 winner of the Nobel Price in Literature, Rabindranath Tagore, 'The Home and the World' follows the characters of Nikhil and Sandip, who have very different ideals around using violence to reach their goals. The novel illustrates the battle Tagore had with himself, between the ideas of Western culture and revolution against the Western culture. This is ultimately shown through Nikhil and Sandip. Covering themes such as truth, love and union, religion vs nationalism, and the role of women, 'The Home and the World' gives a real insight into societal problems in the Bengal region following the turn of the 19th century. Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941) was an Indian poet and philosopher. He was the first non-European to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913. Rebellious to classical studies, he was sent to England to study law. Back in India, he devoted himself to poetry and musical dramas, and in 1883 began writing his collection 'Chants de l'aurore'. Dreaming of harmony between men, he wrote in 1904 a political essay in favour of the Independence of India. In 1910, 'L'Offrande lyrique' was published, translated by André Gide. At the end of his life, he supported Gandhi in his struggle.