The Writer Who Tried to Please

Not many people born after 1947 will remember or be able to appreciate the days of slavery under British rule. Still there are many people who have only negative things to say about British. However, there are others, a minuscule minority who have only positive things to say about British.

In the late nineteenth century, there was a famous writer, Dev Sengupta, who was well-known writer in his native language. He was considered at the peek of his writing prowess and fame. Still, it rankled that British, not knowing his local language, never gave him much importance. He occupied, what he considered as lowly post of clerk in the British administration. However, his fellow citizens thought that he was well-placed.

He decided to start writing in the language of his masters, i.e., English. He started writing a novel. It took him more time than he would have spent had he written in his language. However, when it was complete after one year, he was quite satisfied with the literary quality of the book.

The publishers were quite happy to publish the book. The writer had dedicated his work to benevolent British. He decided to present one copy to his top boss who was white.

He went to his boss with great confidence, being sure about the quality of the novel. However, his enthusiasm was a bit dampened, when he was made to wait for almost three hours before his boss gave him audience.

Dev bowed and respectfully presented his book to the boss. At first, boss appeared to be quite impressed with the book. He started turning the pages of book, initially slow, then in a brusque manner. Then he threw the book in the corner of the table. He asked the writer to leave without giving any positive or negative comment.

The writer came back home. He was quite disheartened. He had expected some praise from his boss, at least not such curt treatment.

He sat on his favourite chair with a pen in his hand and wondered if it was correct to present the book to white boss. Probably boss did not think much of his work.

He did not feel like going to the office next day and even wanted to leave the job. Finally, he decided that if left his job, he might even lose respect of his fellow citizens.

His feet automatically took him to the office, although his feet felt very heavy while he walked towards the office.