MULK RAJ ANAND
- About the Author: Mulk Raj Anand
- Themes of the story The Gold Watch
- Analysis of the story The Gold Watch
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About the Author: Mulk Raj Anand
Mulk Raj Anand was born in Peshawar, India on 12th December 10905. He is best known for his novels: Untouchable and Coolie. His novels and short stories vividly depict the harsh living conditions of the Indians under colonialism and how the caste system and destitution have cast a dark shadow on national integrity which is essential for freedom from colonialism.
The Gold Watch is a powerful short story that delicately portrays the harsh reality of the offhand treatment of Indian subjects. Through the experiences of the elderly clerk Sharma, the narrative sheds light on the struggles faced by the individuals working in the company. The pervasive fear of job insecurity creates a palpable sense of tension and unease within the workplace.
Mulk Raj Anand – the Zola or Balzaac of India.
Themes of the story The Gold Watch
Ambiguity and Deception: The company’s approach towards its employees is predominantly driven by profit and corporate interests, leading to ambiguity and deception. As a symbolic token of appreciation, they offer Sharma a gold watch, which also serves to lessen the impact of the forthcoming setback Sharma is about to face. Mr. Acton acknowledges Sharma’s loyalty while simultaneously opting for his early retirement, thus significantly affecting his livelihood.
Loyalty: Sharma’s loyalty is evident in the number of years he has served the company, with only minor reprimands for inevitable human errors. However, the sahibs are reluctant to overlook any mistakes and remind him on the day he is to retire,that they could hire someone with better qualifications for the job: “Otherwise, we could have got someone, with better qualifications, to do your work!”. They have allowed him to work in the company solely because he has been a loyal friend to the farm for many years.
Exploitation and Financial Instability: The employees’ exploitation and financial instability are best exemplified through the ironic responses to the news of Sharma’s premature retirement.
“No one is required to kill himself with work in our big concern…We are given the Sunday off and a fat pension years before it is due.”
Analysis of the story The Gold Watch
The Gold Watch is a story imbued with pathos and social criticism.
Mulk Raj Anand depicts the anguish of Srijut Sudarshan Sharma, an employee of a Marmalade farm, facing retirement, poignantly. The apprehension of the middle-class employee is evident from the opening sentence of the story:
“There was nothing about the smile of Mr. Acton, when he came over to Srijut Sudarshan Sharma’s table, which betokened disaster.”
Being chosen out of 25 employees for a significant gift like a gold watch spelled disaster for Sharma, as the Sahibs s are almost oblivious to the existence of their employees unless they need to be reprimanded for work-related mistakes. The prospect of retirement unsettles him, as it will be challenging to support his family with his modest provident fund. The fear is so overwhelming that he is unable to eat and is often lost in contemplation. His astute wife senses his fear, but Sharma tries to reassure her by mentioning the unique gold watch he will receive from the European employer as a gift.
When Sharma receives the gold watch along with the news of his retirement, the gift feels akin to a beggar receiving alms, and his eyes are filled with tears of frustration, his forehead covered in sweat. The tragedy of the retired clerk is heightened when he drops the gold watch on the table in his embarrassment. His financial condition is revealed in the subsequent sentence:
“… he could not afford the luxury of having a watch repaired.”
Sharma leaves the office with a “sheepish, abject smile on his face,” conveying a sense of resignation and compliance.
Sharma, like many other staff members, lacks the courage to protest against unjust treatment like the early retirement forced upon him. The Sahibs are primarily concerned with the company’s interests. Mr. Acton’s actions are ambiguous and deceptive. He conceals his true intentions with an ambiguous smile and a valuable gift. The gold watch is used to mitigate the harsh and abrupt blow of the unpleasant news. This portrayal of Mr. Acton highlights the inhumanity of the management, who are insensitive to the well-being and security of their employees.
The Literary Companion 