Analyse Ice Candy Man as a Bildungsroman Novel.

Ice Candy Man by Bapsi Sidhwi is a historical fiction that was first published in India in 1988. It was translated into English under its new title "Cracking India" in 1991.
The events of the novel based on the 1947 partition of India that created the majority Muslim country Pakistan.
It is set in Lahore, a city of Punjab that suffered many riots and violence among Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs and that finally became part of Pakistan.

#novel #Bapsi_Sidhwa #cracking_India #Bildungsroman #Partition

1. S.S. KHANNA GIRLS’ PG COLLEGE (DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH) M.A. 3 rd SEMESTER PAPER 3 (PPT) TOPIC OF PRESENTATION A NALYSE ICE CANDY MAN AS A BILDUNGSROMAN NOVEL SUBMITTED BY: SUBMITTED TO: NAME – HUMA NAWAB NAME – Dr. MARIYAM USMANI ENROLLMENT No.- S1920197 DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

2. Key Facts Title: Cracking India (Ice Candy Man) Writer: Bapsi Sidhwa Types of Work: Novel Date of Publication: First published as Ice Candy Man in 1988 Genre: Autobiography, Historical Fiction Original Language: English Setting: Lahore (before and after partition) Time: 1942-1948 Extra Credit: Deepa Mehta directed a film based on the novel entitled Earth (1998) Narrator: The Story is told from the perspective of Lenny Sethi , a four-year-old girl who lives in the Punjabi city of Lahore.

3. Introduction “Ice Candy Man” by ‘ Bapsi Sidhwi ’ is a historical fiction that was first published in India in 1988. It was translated into English under its new title ‘ Cracking India ’ in 1991. The events of the novel based on the 1947 partition of India that created the majority Muslim country Pakistan. It is set in Lahore, a city of Punjab that suffered many riots and violence among Muslims, Hindu and Sikhs and that finally became part of Pakistan. The partition forced all non- muslim people to migrate to other cities or to convert to Islam. The Partition of India is regarded as the largest mass migration in human history and its brutality is even compared to that of the Holocaust (demolition). The political and social upheaval engendered by independence and partition included religious intolerance that led to mass violence , killings mutilations , rapes, dismemberments and the wholesale slaughter of infants , children men and women.

4. About the Author Bapsi Sidhwa is a Pakistani American novelist and women’s rights activist. She has produced four novels in English that reflect her personal experience of Indian Sub-continent partition , abuse against women , immigration to U.S. and membership in the Parse community . She was born in Karachi and witness the bloody partition of Indian Sub-continent as a young child in 1947 . Her first and second novels ‘ The Bride ’ and ‘ The Crow Eater ’ received countless rejections but after she has received numerous award and honorary for these two works and her two most recent novels, ‘ Cracking India ’ ( Ice Candy Man ) and ‘ An American Brat ’ which have been translated and published in several language .

5. What is Bildungsroman? A Bildungsroman novel is a type of story that focuses on the growth and the development of a protagonist, usually a young person, as they navigate through various challenges and experiences. It explores their journey of self discovery , maturation and coming of age. The term “Bildungsroman” comes from the German and translates to “novel of formation” or “novel of education”. “Ice Candy Man” is an example of a bildungsroman novel as it follows the growth and transformation of main character. Lenny as she navigates through the challenges of the partition and her own personal struggles.

6. Analysis of the Ice Candy Man (Cracking India) novel: “Ice Candy Man” is a captivating bildungsroman novel that takes us on a transformative journey alongside the protagonist, Lenny set against the backdrop of the partition, Lenny’s coming of age story is filled with challenges , growth and self discovery . From the very beginning we witness Lenny’s innocence and curiosity as the navigates the tumultuous events surrounding her. She witness the violence and chaos of the partition, Lenny’s world is turned upside down, forcing her to confront the harsh realities of life. This experience becomes a catalyst for her personal growth and development. Lenny’s struggles with her identity also plays a significant role in her bildungsroman journey. As a Parse girl in a predominantly Muslim society. She grapples with a sense of otherness and the need to find her place in a divided world. Throughout the novel, Lenny’s physical disability, resulting from polio adds another layer of complexity to her character. Her disability becomes an integral part of her identity and shapes her perspective on the world.

7. Conclusion “Ice Candy Man” is a captivating bildungsroman novel set during the partition of India. It follows the story of Lenny, a young girl who undergoes personal growth and discovery amidst the challenges of her time . The Character of the “Ice Candy Man” adds depth and intrigue to the narrative, influencing Lenny’s journey of self discovery. Through its exploration of love, identity and the impact of historical events, the novel offers a thought-provoking and engaging reading experience. “Ice Candy Man” is a powerful and poignant tale that will leave a lasting impression.