Fatherhood and Masculine Identity in Anita Nair’s The Better Man

Mr. Doreobanna B

Research Scholar, Department of English

Kuvempu university, Shankaraghatta

Shivamogga-577451.

obannadore@gmail.com

Dr. Ramaprasad B V

Senior Professor, Department of English

Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta

Shivamogga-577451.

Abstract

This paper analyses Anita Nair's novel The Better Man, examining the complexities of fatherhood and masculine identity within Kerala's socio-cultural hegemony through the ambivalent relationship between the protagonist Mukundan and his domineering father, Achuthan Nair. Nair provides a critical critique of traditional masculinity. This article explores themes of fatherhood, emotional restraint, and the quest for self-identity through intergenerational tensions, highlighting the possibility of liberation.

Keywords: Fatherhood, Masculinity, Dominance, Self-identity, 

Introduction

In Anita Nair's novel The Better Man, Mukundan returns to his ancestral village, Kaikurishi, after retirement. This return becomes a journey of self-identity. Memories of his deceased mother and the complex memories of his father Achuthan Nair, who symbolises fatherhood, motivate Mukundan's search for responsible masculinity. This novel examines a man's internal conflict, including his struggles with a domineering father and the tension between self-realization of proud, virtuous masculinity and societal expectations of seeking approval for every action.

Mukundan’s problem began in his early childhood as he never saw his father during the early days, and he never had any chance to bond with him. He had only seen his father, Achuthan Nair, in photographs; therefore, he was not familiar with his father. His mother was three months pregnant when his father had left for Burma. After a long time, when his father suddenly returned from Burma, he was four years old, and he saw a man dressed in black with a tall and scary demeanour, which instilled fear in him. But his mother always soothed him whenever he got scared of his father. The very first meeting between father and son was very awkward and distressed that it created a sense of terror in Mukund's heart forever. He felt like his father was a complete stranger, and couldn't accept his personality to bond with him. The very first words from his father scared him, but Achuthan Nair’s and Mukundan’s conversation goes very awkwardly like….

"Come here," the man said awkwardly. Mukundan clutched the kitten to his chest and ran to hide behind a pillar. "Come here, son,’ the man beckoned again. But Mukundan stood rooted to the spot. When the man approached him, he bawled loudly, "Amma!’ (69).

Achuthan Nair is an authoritarian and emotionally distant man; his dominance, both physical and psychological, instills fear and helplessness in his son Mukundan. Achuthan embodies the rigid, aggressive masculine ideal, characterized by unemotional, controlling, and commanding behaviour. His tyranny leads Mukundan to internalize shame and weakness, shaping his flawed understanding of masculinity as synonymous with control and violence.

Even when Mukundan is only eight years old, there is no improvement in the relationship between him and his father, Achuthan Nair. Instead of expressing affection or concern for his son, he chooses to assert his cruel authority. His lectures typically begin with an emphasis on discipline and end with a curse, such as “Ploughing the fields”.  Such words deeply diminish Mukundan’s self-confidence and create within him a sense of inadequacy and emotional void. Achuthan Nair’s behaviour reflects a dominating and authoritarian attitude. When Mukundan returns home late, his father interrogation begins as follows:

‘Where have you been, you Vagabond? It’s been more than an hour since the school bell rang. What have you been doing all this while? (72)

Mukundan tries to explain the reason for coming back late, but Achuthan Nair never accepts his explanations. He shows his power as well as his weakness, sees only threatening his son. Anita Nair shows the poor relationship between the father and son.

Achuthan Nair is portrayed as a symbol of power in the background of masculinity. His domineering behaviour and emotional detachment hinder Mukundan's quest for masculinity. Fears and inadequacies shape his masculinity. The novel describes the severe consequences of a dominant masculinity, suggesting the need to reconfigure masculinity.

Mukundan's return to Kaikurishi triggers an introspection. His association with the characters Bhasi and Anjana helps him confront his inner fears and repressed emotions. This process allows him to reconsider fatherhood and masculinity from a different perspective. By accepting his past mistakes, he adopts a masculinity that is soothing, just, and emotionally competent.

Achuthan Nair exhibits betrayal towards his wife and displays a lack of emotional attachment towards his son. He even accepts his son’s animosity and shows willingness to reside with his second wife’s daughter. He does not support his son’s aspirations of becoming a renowned writer. Instead of supporting, he advises Mukundan that he should not squander his life attempting to pursue a writing career. Once again, the father demonstrates dominance and mistreatment towards his son by his passive aggression. Consequently, Mukundan seeks to escape from him. The mysterious death of Mukundan’s mother, coupled with his suspicion towards his father, leaves him hesitant to confront him. He experiences feelings of fear, hatred, and anger towards his father, and also feels guilt, believing himself responsible for his mother’s demise, as she implored him to take her away before she passed.

The novel examines how masculine values are passed down through generations. Mukundan adopts a fatherly style similar to his father. However, his desire to become a better man leads him to decide to break this cycle. This article also emphasizes the possibility of offering future generations different ideas of masculinity.

Achuthan Nair, as a father, does not demonstrate responsibility in seeking a bride for his son. Instead, he blames Mukundan, asserting that every man should find his own partner. Furthermore, he remarks that Mukundan is not man enough to find a bride. Mukundan endures insults and mistreatment from his father and harbours resentment towards him, even though during his visits, he brings gifts; in addition to these gifts, he sends money monthly as a son's duty. His anger and animosity towards his father stem from feelings of destruction of his life. Nevertheless, he endeavours to find a way to win his father’s affection. Thus, the novelist explores the relationship between Mukundan and his father, Achuthan Nair.

Mukhundan reconnects with his roots by returning to Kaikurishi. The community sees his father as a man of steadfast loyalty. This stance prompts Mukhundan to reconsider his life path. The critical dialogue and apology process with Bhasi and Anjana brings about a conceptual transformation in his personality.

Conclusion

Anita Nair’s The Better Man offers a thoughtful and nuanced exploration of fatherhood and masculine identity, critically engaging with the rigid and hierarchical structures of patriarchal masculinity. Through the life journey of the protagonist, Mukundan, the novel highlights the importance of emotional openness, personal responsibility, and the potential for individual growth. The work challenges traditional ideas that define masculinity solely through dominance and rigidity. It advocates for a redefinition of masculinity that is emotionally aware and inwardly reflective. In doing so, Nair’s novel not only underscores the transformative potential of masculinity but also promotes a vision of manhood rooted in genuine human connections. Ultimately, The Better Man calls for a re-examination of entrenched masculine norms and opens up the possibility for a renewed understanding of manhood, one that emphasizes emotional balance and meaningful relationships.

Works Cited

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