Civilization vis-à-vis Farmhands in India

Abstract

Re-evaluating Civilization: A Critical Study of Sannapu Reddy Venkatarami Reddy’s Farmhand

The paper critically examines the notion of civilization as portrayed in Sannapu Reddy Venkatarami Reddy’s Farmhand. Civilization generally refers to a highly developed society with well-organized social structures, rich cultural heritage, advanced education, innovative technology, and specialized industries. Civilization's very essence is development. The short story questions how one perceives development.

The short story challenges this traditional notion by presenting a contrasting definition of civilization, highlighting the disconnect between societal expectations and the realities of rural life. This short story displays how the domination of civilization devalues hard work and dedication and subverts the notion of civilization, exposing a pervasive tendency to prioritize comfort over hard work.

Through its thought-provoking narrative, Farmhand invites readers to re-examine their understanding of civilization and its true meaning. This paper explores the fresh insight presented in the story on civilization, particularly in the context of marginalized communities and the impact of modernization on farmers in India.

References

1. Britannica Kids. ‘Civilization’. https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/civilization/273685#198741-toc


2. Collins English Dictionary. ‘Civilization’. HarperCollins Publishers.


3. National Geographic Society. (2023, October 24). “Civilizations”. National Geographic Education. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/civilizations/


4. Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries. (2024). ‘Civilization’. Oxford University Press.


5. Venkatarami Reddy, Sannapu Reddy. (2022). Farmhand. In The Best Stories of Our Times. Harper Perennial.