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within this siteBildungsroman
What is a Bildungsroman? The German word Bildungsroman means "a novel of formation," that is, a novel of someone's growth from childhood to maturity. Generally, a Bildungsroman is concerned with the protagonist's development from a young person to a young adult, and the character's need to either accept or reject the morals and customs of society. Related subgenres focus on education and training (Erziehungsroman); artistic development (Kunstlerroman); or general growth (Entwicklungsroman)
Why is Reef a Bildungsroman?
Romesh Gunesekera's first novel, Reef, is a moving portrayal of a boy's growth set against the backdrop of the political and social changes taking place in his island home, Sri Lanka. In many respects, the development of Triton is a bildungsroman in which we follow the process of maturation of the main character, a Sri Lankan housekeeper.
Triton's first experience with the social ills existent in this society is embodied in the character of Joseph. Triton states that, "Even in Mister Salgado's house deceit had found a nest, especially in the head of his servant, Joseph" (Gunesekera 18). One afternoon, when Joseph returns home after a night out drinking, he is fired by Mister Salgado. This is a major milestone for Triton, who is now told that he will take on many of the household responsibilities.
As Triton begins to take charge of the household, he gains a new sense of confidence. He begins to place much emphasis on perfecting his cooking skills, and comes to make quite elaborate meals. The Christmas dinner is a pivotal scene for Triton in that his expertise and mastery of the art of cooking is recognized. Triton's trip to the sea with Dias and Mr.Salgado mirrors the boy's growing knowledge of the social changes around him. Triton states about his experience at the sea, "I felt the sea getting closer; each grain of sand closer to washing the life out of us.....it made me feel helpless" (Gunesekera 70). Accordingly, the continual encroachment of the sea upon the delicate coral reef is an effective metaphor for the political and social changes effecting the island nation, and is used throughout the novel. Towards the end of the novel, Triton again remarks how, as the coral reef disappears, "there will be nothing but sea and we will all return to it" (182). Triton's continuing maturity is highlighted in his interactions with Nili, Mr. Salgado's lover. In Triton's eyes, Nili treats him like a person instead of a servant, even giving him a cook book for Christmas. Nili is Triton's first exposure to women. His curiosity in going through her suitcase and setting up her room is explained in detail by the author. Triton feels that Nili's presence in the household is a positive influence, and equates the huge changes resulting from her arrival with the changes going on in the outside world.
The last stage in Triton's maturity begins with his departure with Mr. Salgado for London, and ends in his remaining in London by himself after Mr. Salgado returns to Sri Lanka to be with Nili. In London Triton takes classes, reads all of Mr. Salgado's books, and ultimately learns to depend on himself. At the end of the novel, Triton has opened a successful restaurant. Clearly, his growth and maturity away from the young dependent servant to the self-sufficient man has been completed.
Works Cited
Gordon, Neil. Boston Review 20.2. Apr. 1995. 31-2.
Gunesekera, Romesh. Reef. New York: Riverhead Books, 1994.
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Author: Erica Felson, Fall 1997
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within this sitePostcolonial Studies at Emory
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& Issues(Image of an "Homme Carrefour" from Donald J. Cosentino's Sacred Arts of Haitian Vodou [Los Angeles: UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History, 1995].)