Characters
Why does Balram not have a good relationship with his family?
He never sent any money to his family like he said he would.
What does The White Tiger symbolize?
Strength, bravery, and being different compared to others.
What’s one thing Balram’s parents forgot to note down about Balram?
They never gave him a name
What deeper message was the author trying to get across with this novel?
If you try your best, you can do/be whatever you want; even if it’s not handed to you, you can still can in touch with it.
What was the main reason for Balram to be writing this letter to Mr. Jiabao?
to inform Mr. Jiabao how to become a successful entrepreneur in India’s society
What are the four animals that control Laxmangarh? (They’re the landlords)
the Wild Boar, the Stork, the Buffalo, and the Raven
What does the darkness and the light symbolize?
Darkness: the poor areas of India; if you are brought up in the darkness, there’s no way of you becoming successful
Light: the rich areas of India; if you are brought up in the light, there is a guaranteed chance of being successful
What two things did Kusum explain to Balram in her letter? Why did she send Dharam? What did she threaten him with?
She sends Dharam to Balram so that he can be mentored by Balram since and she threatens Balram that she will give him an arranged marriage and that she’ll to tell the Stork’s family that Balram hasn’t sent back any money in months
What happens if you “break the loyalty”; break out of the rooster coop?
Your family will suffer from the consequence
What is the meaning/translation of Balram’s family name, “Halwai”?
Sweet-maker; he has to work in sweatshops such as tea shops based on his caste and name
What is Balram’s ultimate goal? Where did it come from?
Balram wants to beat the social hierarchy and prove it wrong by becoming an entrepreneur. It came from back from when he was in primary school and his teacher told him that anyone could become the prime minister, but especially him because he was The White Tiger
What does the rooster coop represent on a deeper meaning?
The oppression and contraption of the poor in India’s society. The poor are considered the roosters in this scenario and are trapped in the darkness (poverty); their coop.
What was the main reason Balram killed and stole Mr. Ashok?
Balram knew there would be no other way out the rooster coop since he realized Mr. Ashok wasn’t going to help advance up the societal ladder
What were Balram’s views on the social hierarchy in India?
He thought that the government was corrupted which lead to the society being divided up into rich and poor.
What was the last and very important question Mr. Ashok asked Balram before making him his driver? Why is it so important?
He asked about the whereabouts of his family. This is important so that they know what their jobs are and if they’ve been in any crimes.