Subversive Entrepreneurship: Navigating Capitalism and Conscience in Aravind Adiga’s The White Tiger

Abstract

The paper delves into the theme of subversive entrepreneurship in Aravind Adiga’s The White Tiger, highlighting the intricate relationship between capitalism and moral conscience through the eyes of Balram Halwai. Balram’s transformation from a lowly servant in rural India to a thriving entrepreneur in Bangalore offers a sharp critique of a capitalist system that often prioritizes financial ambition over ethical values. The idea of subversive entrepreneurship is explored as a practice where individuals push against traditional moral boundaries in their pursuit of success. Balram’s journey is marked by difficult choices—most notably, his morally questionable actions, including murder—that expose the darker realities of capitalism, where the fight for survival often demands ethical sacrifices. Adiga presents capitalism as a double-edged sword: it provides pathways for upward mobility but also creates an environment filled with moral ambiguity. Through Balram’s internal struggles and justifications, we see the conflict between ambition and conscience, prompting important reflections on the true costs of economic freedom. The paper argues that The White Tiger challenges readers to rethink the ethical implications of entrepreneurship, questioning the idea that success is always virtuous while illuminating the sacrifices that often accompany it. Balram’s story not only critiques the nature of personal ambition but also serves as a poignant commentary on the moral emptiness that can arise from an unrelenting quest for economic gain in today’s competitive landscape.