Character analysis of Ice-candy-man:

Ice-candy-man is a Muslim popsicle seller. He also does other odd jobs and scams, such as freeing birds,
selling herbal remedies, and pretending to be a Muslim saint. He is in love with Ayah and is one of her
many suitors. However, over time he becomes jealous of the others, most particularly Masseur. When
the population exchange between Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims begin, he finds a train full of Muslim
refugees from India who have been slaughtered. He begins to turn on his former non-Muslim friends. He
also helps kidnap Ayah, makes her work as a prostitute, and then marries her. They live in the red-light-
district that hosts the kind of high-class brothels in which he grew up. Ayah wants to leave him and when
she is freed he begins following her, first to the camp for rescued women and then across the border to
India. He assumes the role of the mad lover, reciting poetry and pining for his love. When the novel was
first published in England, the title was not Cracking India, but Ice Candy Man.

Title Significannce:

Title of the novel Ice Candy Man seems to be contradictory as Lenny is the protagonist of the novel and
the story revolves around the bloody partition of Indian Sub-continent during the late 1940s. Moreover,
it focuses on feminism. However, the title Ice candy Man holds great significance. This can be interpreted
and justified in two ways.

1st Justification

First, Ice Candy Man, in a broader sense refers to every man of the Indian sub-continent. The men are as
sweet as candy before the partition. There exists communal harmony among the people belonging to
different communities.

The masseur, the gardener, the Ice Candy Man etc. all belong to different faiths yet they sit in one group
cracking jokes and talking about the trending issues. In spite of having sensitive discussions, they remain
friends and all are the admirers of Shanta Devi who is a Hindu.

Moreover, in the first visit of Lenny to Pir Pindo, we witness that Muslims vow to protect Sikhs from the
upcoming danger and vice versa. They talk about their relations, dependencies etc.

But this candy-like situation vanishes with the breaking of violence of partition and the ice portion
becomes visible. Ice Candy Man is seen celebrating the vista of Lahore burning in flames and feels
excited about the death of masseur. He also betrays Lenny by ensuring to help Ayah but instead helps
mob to locate her hiding.

In addition, the scene at Pir Pindo is contrasting to the first one, when Lenny visited this place. The
Muslim men and children are butchered and Muslim women raped in the Mosques and then reduced to
corpses by Sikh marauders.

Muslims also reply Sikhs and Hindus by killing their people and raping their women in Lahore. All this
show how fake is the sweetness of man. It vanishes and the iced-face comes into light when such a
situation arises.

2nd Justification

The other perspective of vindicating the significance of the title is to narrate the story of Ice Candy Man.
Ice Candy Man is a good person having a humorous nature when we meet him in the beginning.
He has friends from different communities. He is one of the admirers of Shanta Devi who is a Hindu. He
possesses the qualities of wit and humour and entertains the readers with his funny actions.

But when the partition takes place, he happens to witness the train which carries the dead bodies of
Muslims killed mercilessly by Hindus and Sikhs. He also sees the sack filled with the breasts of Muslim
women.

This incident changes him into a villain. He cherishes the murder of Sikhs and Hindus in Lahore. In the
final portion of the novel, he shows his extreme of villainy by deceiving Lenny and helping Muslim mob
locating the hiding of Ayah who drags her out of the house and take her to Kotha where she is gang-
raped and forced to become a prostitute.

But again we find a transformation in his character. He repents his actions and marries Ayah. He also
becomes a poet. He tries to convince Ayah about his true love for her but she leaves for Amritsar and he
follows her to the border.

Autobiographical Novel:

Introduction:

Bapsi Sidhwa’s novel “Ice Candy Man,” also known as “Cracking India,” is a semi-autobiographical work
that draws heavily from the author’s own experiences and memories. The novel is set against the
backdrop of the partition of India in 1947 and explores the impact of the political and social upheaval on
the lives of ordinary people, particularly through the eyes of a young girl named Lenny.

1. Personal Experiences:

Bapsi Sidhwa herself was born in Lahore, the city in which the novel is set. She lived through the
partition of India in 1947 and witnessed the violence and displacement that occurred during that
time. These first-hand experiences serve as the foundation for the novel’s depiction of the partition
and its impact on individuals.

2. Character of Lenny:

Lenny, the novel’s protagonist, is based on Sidhwa herself as a young girl. Like Sidhwa, Lenny is a
Parsi girl with a physical disability caused by polio. Sidhwa draws upon her own experiences of
growing up with a physical condition and feeling like an outsider due to her disability. This allows her
to provide a genuine and empathetic portrayal of Lenny’s struggles.

3. Cultural and Religious Iidentity

Sidhwa belongs to the Parsi community, and she incorporates her own knowledge and
understanding of Parsi customs, traditions, and social dynamics into the novel. Through her
depiction of the Parsi characters in “Ice Candy Man,” Sidhwa provides a nuanced portrayal of the
community’s experiences during the partition and their interactions with people of different
religious backgrounds.
 4. Interfaith Relationships:

The novel explores the complex relationships between individuals from different religious
backgrounds, such as Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs. Sidhwa draws from her own observations and
experiences to shed light on the tensions, conflicts, and bonds that emerged during the partition.
Her understanding of interfaith relationships as a member of the Parsi community adds depth and
authenticity to the narrative.

5. Historical Context:

Sidhwa’s thorough research and knowledge of the partition of India inform the historical context of
the novel. She incorporates real events, places, and the political climate of the time to create a
realistic backdrop for the story. Her understanding of the historical context allows her to convey the
impact of the partition on the lives of ordinary people, drawing from her own understanding and
memories of that period.

Conclusion:

By incorporating her personal experiences, memories, and observations into the narrative, Bapsi Sidhwa
infuses “Ice Candy Man” with autobiographical elements. These elements add depth, authenticity, and a
personal perspective to the novel, enriching the readers’ understanding of the historical events and the
impact they had on individuals.

Social Crisis in Cracking India:

1. Religious Divide and Communal Violence:

The partition of India resulted in deep religious tensions and conflicts between the Hindu and Muslim
communities, leading to widespread communal violence. Sidhwa’s novel vividly portrays the chaos and
brutality that unfolded during this time. The streets became battlegrounds as mobs from different
religious communities clashed, resulting in riots, arson, and the loss of countless lives.

For instance, in the novel, there are descriptions of mobs engaged in violent acts:

“The street beyond our gate was in flames. Muslim mobs were methodically working their way
through the area, burning, killing” (Sidhwa, 7). This quote exemplifies the religiously motivated violence
that permeated the society, causing fear and devastation among the characters.

The author skillfully portrays the atmosphere of fear and tension as individuals and families faced the
terrifying consequences of the religious divide. The communal violence depicted in the novel serves as a
stark reminder of the human cost and tragedy that unfolded during the partition of India.

By highlighting the religious divide and communal violence, “Cracking India” provides readers with a
deeper understanding of the social crisis that resulted from the partition. The novel raises awareness
about the profound impact of such divisions on individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole,
shedding light on a crucial aspect of this historical period.

Certainly! Here is another powerful example of the religious crisis in “Cracking India”:
Textual Reference:

One of the most powerful examples of the religious crisis in the novel is the harrowing scene depicting
the attack on the local mosque. Lenny, the protagonist, witnesses the desecration and destruction of the
mosque by a mob of Hindu extremists.

In the novel, Lenny narrates the horrifying scene:

“The screams… mingled with the deafening noise of falling bricks and the triumphant roars of the
mob… A building crumbled and collapsed… the mosque was no more, just a mass of rubble” (Sidhwa,
126).

This vivid description captures the religious intolerance and violence that escalated during the partition,
as religious sites were targeted and destroyed.

The attack on the mosque exemplifies the heightening religious tensions and the disregard for religious
sanctity. It showcases the depths to which the social crisis descended, with religious structures becoming
symbols of hatred and destruction.

Through this powerful example, Sidhwa emphasizes the devastating impact of the religious crisis, where
places of worship became battlegrounds and were subjected to acts of violence and desecration. It
serves as a poignant reminder of the profound consequences of religious intolerance and the urgent
need for communal harmony and understanding.

By portraying such a scene, Sidhwa confronts the reader with the destructive force of religious conflict
and prompts reflection on the importance of religious tolerance and mutual respect.

2. Identity Struggles:

In “Cracking India,” Bapsi Sidhwa explores the theme of identity struggles amidst the backdrop of the
partition of India. The social crisis during this period forced individuals to grapple with their religious,
cultural, and personal identities, often leading to a sense of alienation and confusion.

The protagonist, Lenny, a Parsee girl, finds herself caught between different religious communities,
experiencing a profound identity crisis. As the events of the partition unfold, Lenny’s understanding of
her own identity becomes increasingly complex and uncertain.

Lenny’s identity struggle is evident when she reflects on her position in society:

“I am an alien here, neither Muslim, Hindu, nor Sikh” (Sidhwa, 15).

This quote encapsulates the challenges faced by individuals who do not fit neatly into the religious or
cultural categories defined by the society around them.

Through Lenny’s experiences, Sidhwa highlights the psychological and emotional toll of the social crisis
on individuals, who are torn between conflicting identities and struggle to find a sense of self and
belonging. This exploration of identity struggles underscores the deep impact of the partition on
personal identities and the profound changes it brought about in people’s lives.

One of the major characters in the novel, Shanta, undergoes a profound identity crisis due to the social
upheaval caused by the partition. Shanta, a young Hindu girl, grapples with her own religious and
cultural identity as she navigates the changing dynamics of her community.

In the novel, Shanta’s identity crisis is evident when she reflects on her changing beliefs and the pressure
to cconform

“My mother tells me to remember that I am a Hindu… But it is difficult… I feel a sympathy for
Muslims” (Sidhwa, 68).

This quote illustrates Shanta’s internal struggle as she questions her loyalty to her own religious
background and develops empathy towards those from different faiths.

Shanta’s identity crisis reflects the destabilizing effect of the social crisis on individual beliefs and values.
It showcases the internal conflict faced by individuals who are confronted with the rigid divisions of
society and the struggle to reconcile personal experiences with the expectations placed upon them.

Through Shanta’s character, Sidhwa explores the complexity of identity formation and the transformative
power of the social crisis on individual perspectives. The portrayal of Shanta’s struggle highlights the
nuances of personal identity and the potential for individuals to question and reshape their beliefs in the
face of tumultuous circumstances.

The theme of identity struggles in “Cracking India” serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of
individual identity formation in the face of social and political upheaval. It prompts readers to reflect on
the significance of identity, the challenges faced by those who exist on the margins, and the need for
empathy and understanding in a diverse and fragmented world.

3. Gender-based Violence and Subjugation:

“Cracking India” by Bapsi Sidhwa sheds light on the theme of gender-based violence and the subjugation
of women during the partition of India. The novel exposes the harsh realities faced by women who were
subjected to various forms of violence, including sexual assault, abduction, and societal oppression.

The social crisis during the partition exacerbated the vulnerability of women, who became targets of
violence due to their gender and religious identity. Sidhwa’s portrayal of gender-based violence and
subjugation serves as a powerful critique of the patriarchy and the deep-rooted inequalities that
permeated society.

Throughout the novel, instances of gender-based violence are depicted, emphasizing the pervasive
nature of such acts. Women are brutally attacked, abducted, and often mutilated, reflecting the
dehumanizing treatment they endured. Their bodies become battlegrounds, symbols of power dynamics
and societal ruptures.

For example, Sidhwa vividly describes the abduction and disfigurement of women when Lenny says,

“Women kidnapped, their breasts and genitals mutilated, their bodies left for the vultures… It was a
frenzy of rape and murder” (Sidhwa, 205).
This quote highlights the extreme forms of violence inflicted upon women, underscoring the physical
and psychological trauma they experienced during the partition.

Moreover, the societal oppression and subjugation of women are explored in the novel. Women are
confined to traditional gender roles, often denied agency and silenced by patriarchal norms. Their
experiences and voices are overshadowed and dismissed, exacerbating their marginalization.

In the novel, Sidhwa portrays the plight of women through the character of Ayah, a domestic worker in
Lenny’s household. Ayah becomes a victim of sexual violence and subjugation, highlighting the
vulnerability and exploitation experienced by women during the partition.

Ayah’s experience is revealed when Lenny recounts the horrifying incident:

“They [the men] pushed her into a room… I heard her screams… they dragged her to the roof… she
was stripped and assaulted” (Sidhwa, 86).

This quote exposes the brutal sexual assault and dehumanization faced by Ayah at the hands of men
who consider themselves superior and entitled to exert power over women.

Through Ayah’s character, Sidhwa confronts the reader with the harsh realities faced by countless
women who were subjected to sexual violence and exploitation. It highlights the urgent need to address
the gender inequalities deeply embedded in society, and to challenge the prevailing patriarchal norms
that perpetuate such violence.

This example further deepens the exploration of gender-based violence and subjugation in “Cracking
India,” shedding light on the individual stories of women who suffered atrocities during the partition. It
calls for empathy, awareness, and action to combat gender-based violence and strive for gender equality
and justice.

Through the portrayal of gender-based violence and subjugation, Sidhwa confronts readers with the
harsh realities faced by women during the partition. She sheds light on the intersections of gender,
religion, and power, emphasizing the urgent need for gender equality and social justice.

4. Displacement and Loss:

“Cracking India” by Bapsi Sidhwa explores the theme of displacement and the profound loss experienced
by individuals during the partition of India. The social crisis of partition led to mass migrations, uprooting
millions of people from their homes and causing immense personal and collective trauma.

The novel portrays the devastating consequences of displacement as families are torn apart,
communities are fragmented, and individuals are forced to abandon their homes and familiar
surroundings. Sidhwa delves into the emotional and psychological toll of displacement, emphasizing the
profound sense of loss and dislocation.

The characters in the novel, including Lenny and her family, experience the trauma of displacement
firsthand. They are uprooted from their homes, leaving behind their cherished memories and facing an
uncertain future. The physical and psychological impact of this loss is evident in their narratives.

For example, Lenny reflects on the displacement and loss she witnesses:
 “People carry their dead in bundles… carry their homes, everything they own, on their backs… The
city is a moving jigsaw puzzle” (Sidhwa, 54).

This quote vividly portrays the overwhelming sense of displacement and the tragic loss endured by
individuals as they are forced to leave everything behind.

Moreover, Sidhwa depicts the anguish and longing for lost homes and connections through the character
of Lenny: “My hous knowe seems like a ghostly landmark in a strange city” (Sidhwa, 136). This quote
encapsulates the deep emotional impact of displacement, as Lenny grapples with a sense of rootlessness
and yearns for the familiarity of her former home.

Through the theme of displacement and loss, Sidhwa highlights the human cost of the social crisis during
the partition. She delves into the experiences of individuals who are uprooted from their homes, torn
away from their communities, and left to navigate an uncertain and unfamiliar landscape.

The portrayal of displacement and loss in “Cracking India” serves as a poignant reminder of the far-
reaching consequences of social and political upheaval. It prompts readers to reflect on the significance
of home, belonging, and the profound impact of forced migration on individuals and communities.

Overall, the exploration of displacement and loss in “Cracking India” underscores the profound human
tragedy resulting from the partition. It calls attention to the urgent need for compassion, understanding,
and support for those affected by forced displacement and emphasizes the importance of preserving the
stories and memories of those who have experienced such profound loss.