City of Joy - study of a passage

This passage is taken from the book ' city of Joy' by Dominique Lapierre. Initially in French and later translated to English by Kathryn Spink, the book chronicles in a metaphorical drama the conditions of society in Kolkata after independence. It more a story of missionaries and their benevolence in a community whose faith is lost in humanity. Hinduism at a time of confusion and dire deprivation lies breathing faintly in the background as sincere humans make an effort to serve in the name of a god they believe in. This is no new story of a community in tragedy with help comming from the better gods. However , the story also depicts service, selflessness and perseverance amidst hunger for every thing in life. This is a tragedy retold. I picked up this paragraph randomly and wanted to explore the metaphorical aspect. Provision in time of severe deprivation may often be poorly tolerated - be it food , shelter, affection of psychological support.


The passage paints a vivid picture of Stephan Kovalski's, a simple person who intend to help the deprived people of Kolkata and witnesses first hand a harrowing experience with extreme hunger and his subsequent unexpected physical reaction to rich food after a period of deprivation. Initially, Kovalski finds himself in a weakened state, struggling with basic tasks and haunted by the physical and mental toll of insufficient sustenance. The author emphasizes his rapid decline, noting his labored breathing, the wasting of his muscles, and the significant weight loss. Even a simple act like filling a bucket at the fountain becomes an "immeasurable effort," highlighting the profound impact of hunger on his physical capabilities. His nights are plagued by hallucinations and disturbing dreams, underscoring the psychological distress that accompanies starvation.
The arrival of a visitor from France bearing delicacies like quenelles and Camembert cheese marks a turning point, albeit a disastrous one. Mehboub, the friend offering the treat, imposes a condition that all neighbors partake, suggesting a sense of community and perhaps an unawareness of Kovalski's delicate state. The consumption of these rich foods triggers an "uncontrollable" reaction in Kovalski. Instead of providing nourishment and relief, the rich meal leads to nausea, cramps, sweating, and dizziness. This paradoxical outcome illustrates the body's complex adaptation to starvation; after enduring such extreme deprivation, the system becomes overwhelmed and unable to process rich, unfamiliar foods effectively. Kovalski's physical strength, which seemed to be slowly returning, diminishes again, leaving him weaker than before.
The passage poignantly describes Kovalski's physical decline in stark detail: "His muscles wasted visibly. His arms, thighs, legs and pectorals were as if emptied of all substance." This visceral imagery emphasizes the severity of his malnutrition. The description of his struggle to remain upright for even half an hour further underscores the debilitating effects of prolonged hunger.
Despite the ordeal, the passage concludes with a note on Kovalski's mental state. He is not portrayed as foolish but rather as someone who understood his limitations based on his experiences. His realization that he was "like those volunteers in survival who know that they will be rescued" suggests a level of awareness and perhaps a glimmer of hope amidst his suffering. It maybe likened to the city awaiting a saviour, a whole lot of people waiting to be delivered out of their disaster. The final sentence, stating that he had "physically and mentally joined the ranks of the majority of the occupants of Anand Nagar," implies that his experience of extreme hunger was a shared reality within that community, a defining characteristic of their existence. The passage, therefore, serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of hunger on both the physical and mental well-being of individuals, while also hinting at a shared struggle and resilience within a community facing similar hardships.


The book should be read. There are some sentiments which will hurt Hindus but we should realise that - bitter truth better be know than bigger trust be breached.


Pratyush Chaudhuri 

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