Balram's Likability

From the beginning of the novel, Balram's character seems honest and intriguing. He is not afraid to admit that he has murdered a man. At the same time, there is a sense that there is more to the story than his being a criminal. He laughs at the wanted poster claiming that the man described and pictured could be one of many. He is witty and cynical which makes his character appealing. It is easy to believe that he is too smart to have committed murder without a viable reason. As we go through the story, we feel sorrow and pity for Balram. We see that even Ashok, the kind master, is both ignorant and corrupt. He treats Balram as nothing better than an animal. He pokes fun at Balram's lack of education. Although he claims to be proving the issues with society, he is clearly one of the problems. He has the power to help someone from the lower castes but openly chooses not to. After watching Ashok become more and more corrupt, it is easier to excuse Balram for his murder. Balram's entrepreneurship is less questionable and seems more legitimate after hearing the struggles he endured. The outcome seems fair because Balram has been so abused previously.