Reflective Blog 'The Home and the World': Novel & Movie

 

Comparative Study Of the novel 'The Home and the World' by Rabindranath Tagor and the Movie 'Ghare Bare' directed by Satyajit Ray.

Today, we had the pleasure of screening the Bengali movie "Ghare Bare," based on Rabindranath Tagore's novel "The Home and the World." The film, skillfully directed by Satyajit Ray, remained faithful to the original work, making it an excellent opportunity for comparison and analysis. Prior to the movie screening, we engaged in group classroom reading sessions of the novel, thanks to the organization efforts of Megha Ma'am.

           When we immerse ourselves in a literary work, such as a novel, we not only read the words on the pages but also imagine and connect with the story. However, some may find this process tedious, leading them to prefer watching the movie adaptation instead. While movies can capture the essence of a literary work and evoke powerful emotions, they often take artistic liberties, resulting in alterations to the storyline and the addition of music, songs, and emotions to convey the message. As literature students, we understand the significance of both forms, and it is crucial to engage with both the book and its movie adaptation to compare and appreciate the differences.

         In both the movie and the novel, the beginning is quite similar, with most of the dialogues retained almost the same, though translated to Bengali. The characters' portrayals are accurate and relevant, making it easy to identify and understand their unique traits.

         However, there are notable changes and additions in the movie. The filmmaker introduces songs sung by Sandip to instigate or provoke Bimala, adding a captivating charm to the film. While the novel hints at a relationship between Sandip and Bimala, the movie intensifies this connection. Furthermore, the conclusion differs; the novel ends with Bimala in her house as her husband, Nikhilesh, leaves for the village, while the movie concludes with Nikhilesh's death and Bimala's widowhood.

        Movies possess the ability to display the emotional state of characters before the audience, providing aesthetic delight and insight into their mindset. However, relying solely on the movie adaptation while studying literature is not sufficient. Reading the novel is essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of the central themes and messages. Moreover, there may be instances where the book offers a superior version of the story. Therefore, a critical approach is necessary while enjoying movies based on literary texts.

         Engaging in both reading the book and watching the movie in the classroom has been an enriching experience. It has granted us valuable insights into both forms, deepening our appreciation and knowledge of the novel. I extend my gratitude to Ma'am for organizing both the reading sessions and the movie screening, making this learning journey possible.

Here is the Glimpse of both.

Reading sessions...

Movie screening:

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