Which of the following inferences is most strongly supported by the following line taken from the novel A Suitable Boy written by Vikram Seth?

"Think of many things. Never place your happiness in one person’s power. Be just to yourself."

Correct option is D

Explanation:

In this line from A Suitable Boy, the emphasis is placed on not allowing someone else to define your happiness. It suggests the importance of self-reliance and personal integrity. The warning against giving one person too much power over your happiness highlights how one can lose their individuality if they rely too heavily on others for emotional fulfillment. The line advises the reader to maintain autonomy over their own happiness and not to place it in someone else’s hands, as doing so can lead to losing one's essence or sense of self.

It addresses the loss of individuality and the dependence on others for happiness, urging readers to be true to themselves and not let external sources define their emotional state.

Information Booster:

Vikram Seth is a well-known Indian author, and his novel A Suitable Boy (1993) is considered one of the longest novels written in the English language.

It explores the lives of several characters, predominantly set in post-independence India.

The novel is set in post-independence India and follows the life of Lata Mehra, a young university student, and her search for a suitable boy to marry, as determined by her family.

The story of A Suitable Boy is interwoven with the political, social, and cultural challenges of post-colonial India. The plot revolves around the romantic and familial trials of Lata Mehra, who faces pressure from her traditional family to marry a man they deem suitable for her, despite her own desires and independence.

Throughout the novel, Lata’s journey is paralleled with various social and political issues: the rise of Hindu nationalism, the partition, the effects of independence, and class divisions.

The central tension lies in the balance between societal expectations and individual desires, particularly concerning marriage, family obligations, and self-determination.

The novel tackles various themes, including family dynamics, social pressures, and individual desires, and it delves into how characters, especially women, navigate personal freedom and identity.

The Importance of Self-Reliance in A Suitable Boy:

- The line emphasizes self-reliance and personal agency, suggesting that happiness should come from within, not from external sources. It warns against the danger of placing too much importance on external relationships for one's emotional fulfillment, especially in a society with arranged marriages and familial obligations.
- The passage echoes a common theme in the novel: the struggle between individual desires and social expectations.

Philosophical and Psychological Context:

- The warning about happiness dependency aligns with psychological concepts of self-esteem and autonomy. When a person places their happiness in someone else’s hands, it may lead to a loss of self-worth or identity, as they prioritize external validation over their own sense of fulfillment.
- The idea of personal happiness being tied to self and not external factors is a universal concept that is explored in various psychological frameworks and personal development philosophies.

Self-Discovery and Individuality:
- The passage encourages personal growth and self-discovery. It aligns with the idea of being true to oneself and maintaining a sense of individuality despite societal or familial pressures. It suggests that true happiness lies in understanding oneself and not seeking validation from others.