Symbolic Significance of Vultures and Guih Kyom(Dung Beetle) in 'The Ministry of Utmost Happiness'

Thinking Activity

This blog is crafted in response to the thinking activity assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad sir, Head of the Department of English, MKBU. As a part of that, I will try to answer the questions assigned by sir. Which are, 

1) How is the intertextual references to other writers in the novel connected with the central theme of the novel? [also mention the epigraphs in English & Hindi] Click Here to visit my blog

2) What is the symbolic significance of Vulture and Gui Kyom (Dung Beetle) in the novel? 

3) Instead of privileging the center stage, "The Ministry of the Utmost Happiness" shifts the spotlight to the back alleys and hidden corners, granting agency to those typically relegated to the sidelines. Analyze how Roy's decision to center the periphery enriches our understanding of social, political, and existential realities often ignored by mainstream narratives. Click here to visit my blog

Introductory presentation on 'The Ministry of Utmost Happiness':

2) What is the symbolic significance of Vulture and Guih Kyom (Dung Beetle) in the novel?

Roy employs the symbols of Vultures and Guih Kyom in the novel to encapsulate the essence of her intended message. The narrative commences with the demise of vultures and concludes with the presence of Guih Kyom. When delving into the analysis of these symbols, a pertinent question arises: Why has she chosen both these symbols, firstly to commence and secondly to conclude the novel? Let us delve into the significance of each of these symbols.

Vultures:

How do vultures contribute to the balance and functioning of the ecosystem?

 Vultures are essential scavengers in the ecosystem, contributing to the natural process of decomposition. By feeding on carrion (dead animals), they help maintain a clean environment and limit the spread of diseases that could arise from decaying carcasses. Vultures play a crucial role in the ecological balance by efficiently recycling nutrients and preventing the buildup of organic matter, which ultimately supports a healthier environment.

The symbolic significance of vultures in the novel is profound, serving as a metaphor for the decline of questioning minds and the erosion of cultural diversity under the influence of nationalism. Roy begins the novel with the death of vultures, specifically the white-backed vultures, which were custodians of the dead for millions of years. Their demise, caused by diclofenac poisoning from cow-aspirin, becomes a powerful symbol for the parallel decline of intellectual and artistic guardians of culture.

"... the old white-backed vultures, custodians of the dead for more than a hundred million years, that have been wiped out. The vultures died of diclofenac poisoning. Diclofenac, cow-aspirin, given to cattle as a muscle relaxant, to ease pain and increase the production of milk, works – worked – like nerve gas on white-backed vultures. Each chemically relaxed, milk-producing cow or buffalo that died became poisoned vulture-bait. As cattle turned into better dairy machines, as the city ate more ice cream, butterscotch-crunch, nutty-buddy and chocolate-chip, as it drank more mango milkshake, vultures’ necks began to droop as though they were tired and simply couldn’t stay awake. Silver beards of saliva dripped from their beaks, and one by one they tumbled off their branches, dead. Not many noticed the passing of the friendly old birds. There was so much else to look forward to."(Roy)

In the narrative, Roy draws a parallel between the vultures' physical decline and the metaphorical death of those who question, create, and challenge. Writers, artists, journalists, and other custodians of memory are portrayed as succumbing to a metaphorical poisoning, losing their ability to question and resist. This decline is attributed to a conditioned obedience to a form of nationalism that suppresses diversity and dissent.

The vultures' death echoes the larger theme of the novel, highlighting the consequences of a nationalistic narrative that bulldozes differences and erodes the richness of diverse cultures. Roy uses this symbol to express her concern about the impact of nationalism on intellectual freedom and cultural pluralism, marking the beginning of the novel with a poignant commentary on the dangers of unquestioning obedience to a singular narrative.

Guih Kyom(Dung Beetle):

What role does the dung beetle play in the ecosystem and why is it important?

Dung beetles improve pasture by removing waste(dung) and keep fly populations under control. By burying poop they also improve soil conditions and return nutrients through their own excretions.

Arundhati Roy strategically introduces Guih Kyom, or the dung beetle, to conclude the novel, dedicating the final chapter to this symbolic entity. This choice provides a stark contrast to the earlier symbol of vultures and adds layers of meaning to the narrative.

The symbolic significance of Guih Kyom emerges towards the novel's end, offering a counterpoint to the vultures. In the context of death and decay, the dung beetle becomes a symbol of nature's cleansing and transformative power. Anjum, a character in the novel, experiences solace and a sense of renewal in the presence of Gui Kyon during her time in the graveyard. The decision to conclude the novel with Gui Kyon suggests a thematic exploration of the cyclical nature of life and death, emphasizing regeneration and the potential for renewal amidst decay. While vultures represent the decline and loss of intellectual and cultural diversity, Gui Kyon introduces a more optimistic symbol, hinting at the possibility of rebirth and rejuvenation.

The concluding lines of the novel are,

"By the time they got back, the lights were all out and everybody was asleep. Everybody, that is, except for Guih Kyom the dung beetle. He was wide awake and on duty, lying on his back with his legs in the air to save the world in case the heavens fell. But even he knew that things would turn out all right in the end. They would, because they had to. Because Miss Jebeen, Miss Udaya Jebeen, was come." (Roy)

It encapsulates the novel's essence. Amidst decay and destruction, it signifies hope. Roy's choice of contrasting symbols skillfully conveys a nuanced perspective on the intricate interplay between destruction and renewal, underscoring the dual forces shaping the socio-political landscape depicted in the novel. Gui Kyon's presence at the conclusion serves as a poignant reminder that, despite portrayed challenges and losses, there exists the potential for transformative change and the emergence of new beginnings.

Introductory Presentation of 'The Ministry of Utmost Happiness' by Arundhati Roy

 

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References

Barad, Dilip. “The Ministry of Utmost Happiness.” Dilip Barad | Teacher Blog, 28 December 2021, https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2021/12/the-ministry-of-utmost-happiness.html. Accessed 16 February 2024.

Roy, Arundhati. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness. Alfred A. Knopf, 2017.

TED-ED. “Why isn't the world covered in poop? - Eleanor Slade and Paul Manning.” YoutTube, 2018, https://youtu.be/uSTNyHkde08?si=vpToHZwKGNeyqEyo. Accessed 16 February 2024.