Hnde
Missilin
By Chitra Fernando Theme of exploitation Chitra Fernando’s short story, “Missilin” presents the story of a woman who is continuously exploited by a series of characters.
1. First of all, the astrologer claims that if she stays in the village, she will face a lot of problems,
“‘Apoi! Her head is like the Fort railway station. She may even go mad! Or else a serious illness will result from a chest affliction.’ He advised the wearing of a gold talisman, the recital of benedictory stanzas, and a change of locality.” It is apparent that the astrologer is more interested in money rather than giving humane advice by making such negative predictions about Missilin’s future.
2. One of the most exploitative characters in Missilin’s life is Mrs. Ranasighe, her mistress.
• In the first part of the story, Missilin is continuously prevented by Mrs. Ranasinghe in visiting her village.
➢ First it is the New Year, and Mrs. Ranasinghe is sick (yet, she recovers enough to attend the New Year dinner at her sister’s place!). ➢ In May, she does not allow Missilin to go home as she has to visit Dondra, to fulfill a vow.
• Yet, her exploitative nature as well as cruelty and selfishness become obvious the way she (and her family) reacts to Missilin’s fatal illness, tuberculosis,
“Mrs. Ranasingha reproached her bitterly. Not satisfied with having killed them, did she, perhaps, plan to exterminate the whole of Ceylon?”
• Finally, Missilin is “bundled off” to the hospital and until her death she is completely neglected by the Ranasinghas.
3. Leela, Mrs. Ranasinghe’s sister also makes use of Missilin’s good nature and innocence.
• She is the one who prevents Missilin from going home in August as she wants Missilin’s help to maintain her love affair. Even though Missilin is rewarded
By Chitra Fernando Theme of exploitation Chitra Fernando’s short story, “Missilin” presents the story of a woman who is continuously exploited by a series of characters.
1. First of all, the astrologer claims that if she stays in the village, she will face a lot of problems,
“‘Apoi! Her head is like the Fort railway station. She may even go mad! Or else a serious illness will result from a chest affliction.’ He advised the wearing of a gold talisman, the recital of benedictory stanzas, and a change of locality.” It is apparent that the astrologer is more interested in money rather than giving humane advice by making such negative predictions about Missilin’s future.
2. One of the most exploitative characters in Missilin’s life is Mrs. Ranasighe, her mistress.
• In the first part of the story, Missilin is continuously prevented by Mrs. Ranasinghe in visiting her village.
➢ First it is the New Year, and Mrs. Ranasinghe is sick (yet, she recovers enough to attend the New Year dinner at her sister’s place!). ➢ In May, she does not allow Missilin to go home as she has to visit Dondra, to fulfill a vow.
• Yet, her exploitative nature as well as cruelty and selfishness become obvious the way she (and her family) reacts to Missilin’s fatal illness, tuberculosis,
“Mrs. Ranasingha reproached her bitterly. Not satisfied with having killed them, did she, perhaps, plan to exterminate the whole of Ceylon?”
• Finally, Missilin is “bundled off” to the hospital and until her death she is completely neglected by the Ranasinghas.
3. Leela, Mrs. Ranasinghe’s sister also makes use of Missilin’s good nature and innocence.
• She is the one who prevents Missilin from going home in August as she wants Missilin’s help to maintain her love affair. Even though Missilin is rewarded