2022 IB Diploma Extended Essays

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his effort to disguise Tamil heritage with what ‘Australian’ characteristics, Danny loses his individual sense of self, and his identity becomes further dictated by others. Messianic characterisations of Prakash and Kiran suggest that Danny believes he can be saved by becoming ‘Australian’. Adiga’s use of religious imagery surrounding Prakash characterizes him as a saviour figure; Danny recalls that a young girl “stood open-mouthed in the presence of a god” (140) while talking to Prakash. Coupled with Danny’s accumulative descriptions of him, such as the run-on descriptions detailing the “gorgeous red jacket” and “striped private school tie” he wears as a “prince among princes” (95,96) creates an awe-filled toned around Prakash, mirroring Danny’s idolization of him. Prakash represents Danny’s ideal existence – educated, stably employed, and adventurous. Despite being a miner by trade, Danny refers to Prakash as “Doctor” or “King”, emphasising the hierarchal separation between them because of their citizenship. Danny’s religious glorification of Prakash point to his veneration of Australian immigrants and highlight his desire to conform to his new culture. In this effort to become ‘Australian’ and disguise his Tamil heritage, Danny is habitually influenced by others, impacting his ability to have a clear individual identity. Adiga’s construction of the relationship between Danny and fellow immigrant Abe indicates this consequence, suggesting that Danny’s paranoia and worldview are shaped by the opinion of those around him. For example, when Danny first meets Abe, Danny immediately associates his friend’s character with his occupation as an abseiler; Danny continues to refer to him as “Abe the Abseiler” (176). Similarly, this perceived connection between occupation and identity is demonstrated through Danny’s references to himself as “Cleaner” after his encounter with Abe. Thus, Adiga suggests that Danny’s relationship with Abe was highly formative and influenced not only Danny’s perception of self but his perception of Australian society. Moreover, during their first encounter Danny is introduced to Abe’s “list of observations about Australia” (174), mirroring the set of rules and sociological categories Danny creates later. For