Horegallu - Sudha Murty (Character Sketch and Significance of the Title)

 

                                                  Horegallu - Sudha Murty

                                     (Character Sketch and Significance of the Title)

Significance of the Title: 

 

"Horegallu" literally means 'a stone that can bear weight'. Here it is ‘a large flat stone placed horizontally over two vertical ones. Thus "horegallu" acts as a stone bench where travellers sit, talk with one another and share their “burdens” or “troubles”. "Horegallu" symbolically means an active listener who listens to the problems and worries of others with sympathy, patience and "without any judgement". This active listener should be a positive person who must have a positive outlook on life. Then only they can lighten others' "burdens" and give refreshment. These "human horegallus" will give a chance for others to lighten their "burdens". This is the significance of the title.

 

Character Sketch

1.      Grandfather

Grandfather is one of the major characters of  "Horegallu", an anecdote by Sudha Murthy. He is a retired school teacher. He is a compassionate man. That is why he speaks with the villagers. He is an active listener too. He listens to the villagers'  "burdens". They share their daily life incidents, worries and trivial matters like the weather. These villagers affectionately call him, "Masterji".  The grandfather is also an optimistic man. That is why when the villagers share their "burdens" with the grandfather, they get relief and refreshment. His attitude towards the narrator, Sudha Murty, shows that he loves and cares for everyone. Since the narrator was a little kid, the grandfather patiently explained the importance of “horegallu” in a simple way. This shows his teaching skill. Thus the grandfather is a character who is doing selfless help and social service. He is not doing it for getting appreciation or reward. Instead, he gets immense  "joy"  when he becomes a  "human horegallu". This is the character sketch of grandfather.

2.      Ratna

Ratna is one of the major characters of  "Horegallu", an anecdote by Sudha Murthy. She is a senior clerk, middle-aged and "always smiling". She is a graduate. She has been working in the company for nearly twenty-five years. She is a compassionate woman. That is why she patiently listens to the "problems" of others with "sympathy" and "without any judgement". She has an "infectious cheerfulness" with which she has given happiness to her colleagues. She is a trustworthy woman. She never gossips about others or shares their "troubles" to others. She thinks it as a heinous act. For her, it is a "greater" sin. Thus Ratna is a character who is doing selfless help and social service. She is not doing it for getting appreciation or reward. Instead, she gets immense  "joy"  when she becomes a  "human horegallu". This is the character sketch of Ratna.