Shashi Deshpande’s The Binding Vine is a compelling example of a stream of consciousness novel, where the narrative is shaped by the characters’ internal thoughts and feelings rather than a straightforward plot. This technique helps us dive deeply into the characters’ inner lives, giving us a vivid understanding of their experiences and emotions. Here’s an analysis of the novel through the lens of this narrative style, explained in simple terms.

What is Stream of Consciousness?

Stream of consciousness is a narrative method that tries to capture the flow of a character’s thoughts and feelings as they happen. It mimics the way we think—constantly jumping from one idea to another, blending memories with current experiences. Instead of a linear, structured story, it offers a more fragmented and personal view of the character’s mind.

The Binding Vine and Its Narrative Style

In The Binding Vine, Deshpande uses the stream of consciousness technique primarily through the character of Urmi. Urmi is a grieving mother whose daughter, Anu, has recently died. The novel doesn’t tell us directly about her loss. Instead, we experience her grief through her thoughts, memories, and reflections.

Psychological Time vs. Clock Time

In the novel, Deshpande blends two types of time: psychological time and clock time. Psychological time is about how we experience time in our minds, which can be non-linear and filled with memories and emotions. Clock time, on the other hand, refers to actual, chronological time—days, months, and years as we measure them.

Urmi’s thoughts jump back and forth between her past and present, blending her memories with her current experiences. For instance, when she reflects on her daughter’s death, her mind wanders to memories of her childhood and her mother, Inni. This fluid movement between different times helps us understand Urmi’s deep emotional state.

Interior Monologue and Flashbacks

Deshpande uses interior monologue, where characters speak to themselves in their thoughts, to reveal their inner world. For example, Urmi’s internal dialogues and reflections give us a window into her grief and her feelings about her past.

Flashbacks are also crucial in this novel. Urmi’s memories of her time in Ranidurg and her relationships with her family members are not told in a straightforward way. Instead, they come up as Urmi thinks about them in relation to her current feelings. This method allows us to piece together her past experiences and understand how they shape her present.

Character Insights Through Stream of Consciousness

Urmi’s character is explored deeply through her stream of consciousness. Her thoughts reveal:

• Grief and Loss: We learn about Urmi’s sorrow and how she processes the death of her daughter through her inner reflections. Her mourning is not just about missing her daughter but also about the way her life and her sense of self are affected.
• Childhood and Family: Urmi’s memories of growing up in Ranidurg with her grandparents come to light through her thoughts. We see that while her childhood was joyful, she also felt abandoned by her parents. Her strained relationship with her mother, Inni, is also explored through her inner dialogue.
• Personal Philosophy: Urmi’s reflections show her philosophical outlook on life. Her thoughts reveal her resilience and strength, as well as her struggle to find meaning and continue forward despite her grief.

Integration of Mira’s Story

Another important aspect of the novel is how Urmi’s thoughts merge with Mira’s experiences. Mira’s life is revealed through Urmi’s interpretation of Mira’s writings and personal history. This narrative technique allows Deshpande to weave Mira’s story into the main plot, showing the impact of Mira’s experiences on Urmi.

For example, we learn about Mira’s traumatic experiences and her philosophy of life indirectly through Urmi’s thoughts and comments. This indirect approach deepens our understanding of Mira’s struggles and connects her story to the themes of the novel.

Structural Unity and Themes

Deshpande uses repetition, dreams, and Mira’s poems to give the novel a sense of unity. These elements help to tie together different parts of the narrative, reflecting the continuous and overlapping nature of Urmi’s thoughts and experiences.

• Repetition: Certain themes and ideas recur throughout the novel, emphasizing their importance and how they resonate with Urmi’s inner life.
• Dreams: Urmi’s dreams are a way for Deshpande to explore her subconscious thoughts and fears, adding another layer to the narrative.
• Mira’s Poems: The inclusion of Mira’s poetry helps to unify the story by linking Urmi’s experiences with Mira’s reflections and philosophies.

The Binding Vine exemplifies the stream of consciousness technique by immersing us in Urmi’s thoughts and feelings. Through psychological time, interior monologue, and flashbacks, we gain a deep understanding of her character and her emotional journey. The novel’s structure, blending Urmi’s present with her past and integrating Mira’s story, creates a rich and complex narrative that mirrors the intricacies of human consciousness. This method allows Deshpande to explore themes of grief, family, and personal strength in a profound and engaging way.