CSP
Novel by Syed Waliullah
Tree Without Roots is a famous novel written by Syed Waliullah, one of the most important Bengali novelists of the twentieth century. The novel was originally written in Bengali under the title Lalsalu and later translated into English as Tree Without Roots.
The novel deals with themes of religion, superstition, hypocrisy, power, faith, and social exploitation in rural Bengal. It presents a sharp criticism of how false religious leaders misuse people’s blind belief for personal gain.
2. Author: Syed Waliullah
- Born: 1922
- Died: 1971
- Nationality: Bengali (Bangladesh)
- Famous works: Lalsalu (Tree Without Roots), Chander Amabasya
Syed Waliullah was deeply concerned with social injustice and moral decay. His writing focuses on rural life, religious hypocrisy, and psychological conflict. He presents religion not as faith, but as a tool of power in the hands of the dishonest.
3. Meaning of the Title: Tree Without Roots
The title is symbolic.
- A tree without roots cannot survive for long.
- It may look strong outside, but it is weak inside.
In the novel:
- Majeed’s authority is like a tree without roots.
- His power is based on lies and superstition, not true faith.
- The village belief system lacks real moral foundation.
Thus, the title suggests false religion, hollow belief, and moral emptiness.
4. Setting of the Novel
- Place: A remote rural village in Bengal
- Time: Early 20th century
The village is poor, uneducated, and deeply religious. People depend on superstition rather than reason. This environment allows characters like Majeed to rise easily.
5. Plot Summary (Brief)
The novel centers on Majeed, a poor and clever man who arrives at a village and claims to be the guardian of a saint’s grave (mazar). He convinces villagers that the grave is sacred.
Using fear of God and punishment, Majeed gains control over the villagers. He marries, builds authority, and becomes powerful. However, his power is always unstable because it is built on deception.
At the end, when a storm destroys the shrine, Majeed feels fear and insecurity. His authority is shaken, showing that false power cannot last forever.
6. Major Characters
a) Majeed
- Protagonist of the novel
- A clever, manipulative religious pretender
- Uses religion to gain power and security
- Lives in constant fear of being exposed
Majeed represents religious hypocrisy and moral corruption.
b) Rahima
- Majeed’s first wife
- Quiet, obedient, traditional
- Symbol of female suffering and silence
She represents the oppressed rural woman.
c) Jamila
- Majeed’s second wife
- Young, outspoken, emotional
- Questions Majeed’s authority at times
Jamila introduces conflict and challenge to Majeed’s control.
d) Khaleque
- Villager and religious rival
- Challenges Majeed’s authority
- Represents power struggle within religion
7. Major Themes
a) Religion and Hypocrisy
The novel exposes how religion is misused for personal gain. Majeed does not believe deeply in religion but uses it as a weapon.
b) Superstition and Blind Faith
Villagers believe without questioning. Their fear allows Majeed to dominate them.
c) Power and Control
Religion becomes a means of social and psychological control. Majeed’s authority depends on fear, not truth.
d) Fear and Insecurity
Majeed lives in constant fear of exposure. His confidence is false.
e) Women and Oppression
Women suffer silently in a male-dominated society. Marriage is shown as another form of control.
8. Symbolism in the Novel
- Mazar (Shrine): False faith and constructed belief
- Storm: Destruction of illusion
- Tree Without Roots: Hollow authority
- Silence of women: Social oppression
9. Style and Language
- Simple but powerful prose
- Strong psychological insight
- Realistic portrayal of village life
- Symbolic and critical tone
10. Social and Moral Message
Syed Waliullah warns society against:
- Blind faith
- Fake religious leaders
- Moral emptiness in religion
- Exploitation of ignorance
The novel encourages reason, awareness, and true spirituality.
11. Conclusion
Tree Without Roots is a powerful social novel that exposes the dangers of false belief and religious exploitation. Through the character of Majeed, Syed Waliullah shows how authority without truth is unstable and destructive. The novel remains relevant today because superstition and misuse of religion still exist in many societies.
12. Exam-Friendly Key Points
- Novel of social realism
- Central theme: religious hypocrisy
- Majeed = symbol of false authority
- Title is highly symbolic
- Strong criticism of blind faith