The Portrayal of Clashing Cultural Values in the Novel Funny Boy by Syam Selvadurai

The portrayal of Clashing Cultural Values in the Novel Funny Boy by Syam Selvadurai

Shyam Selvadurai, the author of Funny Boy, felt the necessity to write about this issue because it is kept in the dark, especially in Sri Lanka. In addition, Sri Lanka is faced with many cultural problems. The Tamils and Singhalese are in constant conflict because of their different moral values. Selvadurai grew up in this type of atmosphere, he was homosexual and was raised in an environment where fighting took place regularly. Selvadurai decided to write this book not only as therapy for himself but also to lend a voice to those who still have trouble expressing themselves about both of these issues - especially children. "Selvadurai writes as sensitively about the emotional intensity of adolescence as he does about the wonder of childhood" (Hower, 22). Arjie Chelvaratnam, the protagonist in Selvadurai's novel, finds himself going through similar problems. He feels lost because his attitudes towards life differ greatly from those around him. In his novel, Funny Boy, Shyam Selvadurai uses character and plot to show how conflicting cultural beliefs can lead to confusion and alienation.

The theme of clashing cultural values is brought out through the character of Arjie's father, Appa. As Arjie was growing up, he often enjoyed spending his days playing games like dress-up and 'wedding' with his younger girl cousins. To him, it came naturally. He felt that playing with the boys would be too boring and dull. Arjie's problems start from the day that he is caught wearing a sari by his Kanathi Aunty. At this point, his Cyril Uncle cries out: "Looks like you have a funny one here" (Selvadurai 14).

From this moment on, Appa refuses to let his son play with the girls. Appa is a man who is completely caught up in the idea of having a good reputation within the community. If the village ever finds out that Arjie is "funny," the Chelvaratnam family will be rejected and left out by others. Appa decides to treat this matter very seriously, He sends Arjie to a school where he will be forced to become 'a real man'- The Victoria Academy School (Selvadurai 210). Although Arjie completely disagrees with this idea, he feels he has no choice but to obey his father's commands. Appa's different values towards life create a lot of confusion for Arjie.

The theme of conflicting cultural values is further explored through the character of Shehan, Arjie's boyfriend who is rejected from society because of his uncommon value system. Shehan's physical appearance differs quite a bit from other boys his age, "His upper lip was thin, lower lip full; his forehead was fine and well shaped, his eyebrows thick and unruly, unlike any of the other boys, he wore his hair long" (Selvadurai 217). Many of the boys tease Shehan for his appearance. Shehan is completely alienated from the school environment because of this; yet, he still shows assurance in himself and his beliefs. He has a certain power that gives him immunity; there is a confidence about him, an understanding of his own power (Selvadurai 217). Shehan also has a bad reputation at school because he is always called down to the principal's office. Although Shehan has these terrible problems at school, he is still friendly whenever the chance comes up. When Arjie enters the school at first, he is welcomed most by Shehan. He feels comfortable in his presence and they soon develop a very special relationship. Diggy, Arjie's brother who also attends Victoria Academy realizes that Shehan and Arjie have become very close. He warns his brother about Shehan: "You better watch out for him, you don't want to become associated with Soyza" (Selvadurai 231). Diggy explains that rumors are going around that Shehan has sexual relations with the head prefect. If Arjie is seen associating with such a boy, he too will be made fun of. However, this does not bother Arjie. He likes Shehan because he is different. Shehan is rejected and isolated by society because of his different views on life.

The Plot also contributes to the theme of alienation through the story of Radha and Anil who cannot marry because of their different backgrounds. Radha had lived in America for four years and was recognized as becoming somewhat "Americanized."

When it comes to marriage, culture and tradition are not very important to her. She believes solely in the theory of true love. Radha meets Anil, a Sinhalese man, at practices for the production of "The King and I." They both show interest in each other, but have to keep their undying love for each other a secret because of their different cultural backgrounds. Eventually, Radha's family finds out about her undercover love and becomes very upset with her. Radha and Anil's love is forbidden because of all of the horrible