'Amnesty' By Aravind Adiga

"Amnesty" is a short story written by Aravind Adiga that explores the themes of guilt, morality, and redemption. The story follows a young, undocumented immigrant named Danny, who has been living in Sydney, Australia for over two years. One day, he receives a call from a woman named Radha, who asks him to clean up a crime scene at her apartment. Danny agrees to help her, but as he cleans up the bloodstains, he begins to feel guilty and conflicted about what he has done.One of the key themes of "Amnesty" is guilt. Throughout the story, Danny grapples with his conscience and the guilt that he feels for helping Radha cover up a crime. He is torn between his desire to do the right thing and his fear of being deported if he goes to the police. As the story progresses, Danny's guilt intensifies, and he begins to feel like he is betraying himself by staying silent.Another important theme in the story is morality. Danny's decision to help Radha is not a moral one, but rather a practical one based on his fear of being deported. However, as he cleans up the crime scene, he begins to question the morality of his actions. He realizes that he is helping someone get away with murder, and he struggles with the idea that he is complicit in a crime. Ultimately, the story suggests that there are no easy answers when it comes to questions of morality and that sometimes doing the right thing requires making difficult choices.Redemption is another significant theme in "Amnesty." Throughout the story, Danny is haunted by his guilt and his fear of being caught. However, in the end, he decides to turn himself in to the police, which can be seen as a form of redemption. By confessing to his involvement in the crime, Danny is taking responsibility for his actions and making amends for his mistake. This act of redemption suggests that even when we make mistakes, we have the power to make things right and to start anew.The narrative structure of "Amnesty" is also worth noting. The story is told from the perspective of Danny, and the reader is given insight into his thoughts and feelings throughout the story. The use of a first-person narrator creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the reader into Danny's world and allowing them to empathize with his predicament. Additionally, the story is told in a linear fashion, with each event building on the last, creating a sense of inevitability and tension.Adiga's writing style is also noteworthy. He uses vivid and evocative language to describe the crime scene, creating a sense of horror and revulsion in the reader. For example, he describes the bloodstains as "a child's painting of the sun" and the smell of the room as "an abattoir on a hot day." This use of sensory language draws the reader into the story and creates a visceral reaction to the events that unfold.In conclusion, "Amnesty" is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged story that explores complex themes of guilt, morality, and redemption. Adiga's use of a first-person narrator, vivid language, and linear narrative structure creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy that draws the reader into Danny's world. The story ultimately suggests that doing the right thing requires making difficult choices and that even when we make mistakes, we have the power to make things right and start anew.