From Silence to Speech: Ice-Candy-Man
From Silence to Speech: Ice-Candy-Man

Summary/Abstract: In the novel Ice-Candy-Man (1988), Bapsi Sidhwa showed the life thatshe had experienced and witnessed in Lahore at the time of Partition of India,which affected many lives. It was introduced as Cracking India to Americanreaders for giving an accurate comprehension of the meaning of the novel atfirst sight. To them, Ice-candy-man means a peddler, but in India it means aPopsicle man. In the novel, a Popsicle man (Ice-candy-man) played one of thelead roles. He was the representative of typical Indian men who profoundlyindulged in the political, religious and social matters. The thought of Partitionand the consequences of Partition made him turn a religious zealot, and createdgreat turbulence in the life of Ayah, who was his companion and beloved. Thebifurcation of India left sad and haunting memories not only to Ayah but alsoto many people. Men were butchered, women were abused and raped, andchildren were left orphans. The impact of the geographical partition wasimmense on the people’s psyche. In fact, the horrible events stood out as acruel testimony of communal frenzy and insanity of people. The loss wasirreparable. Gradually, the villain, Popsicle man emerged as a refined man. Herealized his sins and mended his behaviour. Hence, as far as Indian context isconcerned, the title of the novel Ice-Candy-Man is apt.

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