The Storyteller's Secret

Chapters told from Amisha’s perspective heavily feature the colonial presence of England in India. While Deepak’s influential friends argue over the presence of British soldiers in their communities and village women largely condemn the soldiers’ attempts to keep their community in line with violence, the novel’s treatment of colonialism is nuanced, and best discussed through the disparities between Stephen’s and Amisha’s ideals.

Stephen is often conflicted about England’s presence in India, feeling honor-bound to his country and at the same time concerned about the freedom Indians deserve. What remains consistent is Stephen’s belief that an English education—and, therefore, English culture—is essential for the forward progress of Indian society. Stephen claims that “India wants the British out, but they forget why we came in the first place. It was to help” (138). This sentiment necessary implies that India was in need of help from the first place—in need of Western forces imposing their vision of civilization and modernization. The building of the school represents this intrusion into Indian society. The villages and towns of India must be civilized by learning English—made to think that Englishness is inherently better than Indianness.

Amisha knows well Stephen’s explanation of his mission: “It was the Raj’s defense for their occupation—they were helping to save the poor and disenfranchised” (81).