Themes and message

Arrogance, ignorance, and prejudice

The theme of arrogance, ignorance, and prejudice is explored throughout Khushwant Singh's short story “Karma”.

The theme is especially explored through the character of Sir Mohan Lal. He is well-educated and wealthy and believes that British culture is superior to Indian culture. He tries to imitate the British upper classes through his language, clothing and behavior. He also believes he is superior to other Indians – he considers his countrymen “dirty, vulgar” (p. 181, l. 28), he orders the baggage bearer around, and is even disgusted by his own wife: “obese old Lachmi, smelling of sweat and raw onion” (p. 181, l. 30). In contrast, Sir Mohan sees himself as an equal to the Englishmen he meets during his travels, because he can have intellectual conversations with them: “It was a Cantonment and some English officers might be on the train. His heart warmed at the prospect of an impressive conversation.” (p. 181, ll. 5-7)

These details show that Sir Mohan sees British culture and the British themselves in a purely positive light and is prejudiced against the Indians. However, his ignorance regarding the negative aspects of th...