The Politics of the Booker Prize: A Case Study of Aravind Adiga’s The White Tiger
Ravi Kumar
Research Scholar, Department of English, Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Nalanda, Bihar
ABSTRACT
The instant popularity of The White Tiger,
after it won the Booker Prize, has sparked significant interest
among critics and scholars who are delving into the various factors
contributing to its widespread appeal. These experts particularly
examine how the Booker Prize label has influenced the book’s success
and what it means for a novel’s readership when recognized by such a
prestigious award. The novel’s rapid ascent in popularity post-award
has raised questions about how much of its success can be attributed
to the Booker Prize itself and how much is linked to the inherent
quality or topical relevance of the novel. Critics are not only
analysing the benefits the Booker Prize confers on a book in terms
of sales and visibility but also the broader public reception it
receives following the announcement. While the prize offers
significant exposure, there are also critical evaluations of the
Booker jury's selections. Some critics question whether personal
biases or political agendas influence the jury’s decisions, and if
certain voices or types of literature are favored over others,
possibly due to prevailing literary trends or social considerations.
This article aims to delve into the politics involved in the
selection process, offering insights into the complex relationship
between literary recognition, market success, and the subjective
nature of literary awards. Through this exploration, the article
will attempt to unravel the layers behind the novel's popularity and
the larger implications of the Booker Prize in the literary world.
