A tapestry of tradition: Arranged marriage and societal expectations in A Suitable Boy

Vikram Seth’s A Suitable Boy presents a rich tapestry of post-independence India, where tradition and modernity collide. The novel explores the conflict between personal aspirations and societal obligations in arranged marriage. This paper examines the role of arranged marriage in the novel, particularly through the character of Lata Mehra, to highlight the broader cultural, gendered, and generational tensions embedded in the process. It argues that Seth critiques the rigid structures of social expectations while acknowledging the persistent influence of tradition in shaping individual choices. The purpose of this paper is to analyze how arranged marriage serves as both a means of social stability and a constraint on personal freedom. The aim is to explore how Seth critiques societal norms while portraying the nuanced negotiations individuals make between tradition and autonomy. The objectives include examining Lata’s personal struggles, the parental and societal influences on marriage decisions, and the impact of caste, class, and religion in marital choices. This paper will specifically investigate how Lata navigates her romantic choices, the pressures exerted by her mother, and the societal implications of interfaith and intercaste unions.