The Profound Metaphors of Inner Turmoil in Aparna Sanyal’s INSTRUMENTS OF TORTURE
In Aparna Sanyal’s Instruments of Torture, each tale is a deep dive into the abyss of human suffering, portraying characters who are not just victims of their circumstances but also complex individuals grappling with the aftermath of their traumas.
- Namrata
In Aparna Sanyal’s haunting collection Instruments of Torture (HarperCollins India, 2024), each story is aptly named after a medieval torture device. The titles evoke a visceral reaction, as the historical connotations of torment echo through the pages. The imagery of the rack, the iron maiden, and the breaking wheel is not merely a grim reminder of humanity’s capacity for cruelty, but a profound metaphor for the turmoil that resides within us all.
Instruments of Torture delves into the murky waters of mental illness, abuse, rape, and suicide, offering a stark, unflinching look at the catalysts behind these harrowing experiences. With a narrative voice both empathetic and unyielding, Sanyal’s stories peel back the layers of taboos and personal shame, exposing the raw wounds that lie beneath. Each tale is a deep dive into the abyss of human suffering, portraying characters who are not just victims of their circumstances but also complex individuals grappling with the aftermath of their traumas.
As the reader navigates through this labyrinth of sorrow and resilience, the stories offer more than just a recounting of pain; they serve as a mirror, reflecting the often unspoken realities of anguish. The use of historical torture devices as metaphors at the beginning of each story adds a profound layer of meaning and depth to the narrative. By introducing these grim and harrowing instruments, Sanyal sets the tone for the emotional trials that the characters will endure.
For instance, the first story, “The Rack” deals with themes of dwarfism:
The victim is tied down while some mechanical device, usually a crank or turning wheel, tightens the ropes, stretching the victim’s body until the joints are dislocated. Continued pressure could cause the limbs to be torn right off. Such torture was known as being “broken on the rack” “racked,” or “stretched on the rack.” It could be combined with other forms of torture to make things even more painful.
The medieval torture device does more than provide a gruesome historical context—it serves as a chilling prelude to the psychological “stretching” of the protagonist who suffers from dwarfism. Just as the rack pulls and dislocates the victim's body, the character’s internal struggles, societal pressures, and experiences of discrimination “stretch” his mental state to breaking point. The imagery of joints being dislocated or limbs being torn off parallels the protagonist’s feelings of being torn apart by a world that refuses to accept him as he is.
Sanyal’s exploration of these themes in this collection is not for the faint of heart, but for those willing to confront the darkest aspects of the human condition, the reward is a richer understanding of the profound impact of trauma.
This metaphorical connection between the torture device and the protagonist’s experience creates a strong impact, prompting an exploration of how expectations and prejudices can inflict deep inner wounds. The character’s battle with his condition is not just a physical one, but a psychological ordeal, reflecting the broader theme of the story: the excruciating pain of being “racked” by societal norms that demand conformity and punish difference.
Sanyal forces the reader to confront the often-overlooked emotional violence that can be just as damaging as physical pain. Her approach also underscores the timelessness of human suffering. Although the torture devices referenced are relics of the past, the “tortures” that the characters experience are very much present and relevant today. Sanyal’s narrative, thus, becomes a powerful commentary on the enduring nature of human cruelty and the resilience required to survive in a world that can be as unforgiving as the medieval instruments of torture she describes.
This literary device is more than a mere metaphor; it is an evocative tool that delves deep into the complexities of human choice and the relentless influence of our pasts. Sanyal’s exploration of these themes in this collection is not for the faint of heart, but for those willing to confront the darkest aspects of the human condition, the reward is a richer understanding of the profound impact of trauma.
Sanyal’s descriptions are often raw and ghastly, with some passages making the reader squirm, while others compel one to momentarily close the book. Yet, the powerful writing irresistibly draws you back to the stories. In “The Pillory”, for instance, an ex-lover turned doctor crosses paths with his teenage crush under unusual circumstances.
And here he sat today. Back to where it all began. In front of him lay the life history of Patient Number 124 in an ordered blue file. Shona Pujari, female, twenty-nine years: reportedly delusional, irrational, hyperactive, prone to violent outburst and mood swings. Strong visual hallucinations. Potential bipolar disorder, onset of schizophrenia visible.
By holding up a mirror to the subconscious, these stories force readers to confront the darkest corners of the human psyche. This mirror, fashioned from the very essence of our concealed fears and buried memories, reflects not just the surface but the intricate, often painful layers beneath. It is within these reflections that the true nature of our being is laid bare—unadorned and unfiltered.
In another passage from “The Pillory”, Sanyal captures a poignant moment of disconnect between two characters. The protagonist Shona is attuned to the subtle communication of nature and invites Sumeet to share in her mystical experience of hearing trees and plants talking. However, Sumeet’s puzzled reaction reveals his inability to connect with her on this deeper level.
“You know, I can hear the trees and plants talking to each other…listen…” she said as he gazed at her puzzled, “… if you listen carefully, you’ll hear them too!”
So he held still, holding on to the tree, waiting. She opened her eyes suddenly, and as she saw the look on Sumeet’s face, her own face fell.
For it was clear the rapture she had just experienced was not mirrored in Sumeet’s face.
When Shona realizes that the rapture she felt is not mirrored in Sumeet’s expression, her face falls, signalling disappointment and the realization that their connection may not be as deep as she hoped. This scene subtly explores the complexities of human relationships and the isolation that can arise when profound experiences aren’t shared or understood.
Sanyal begins the storytelling with a critical trigger point, meticulously tracing the events leading up to it. This narrative structure not only captivates the reader but also provides a profound exploration of how trauma can shape identity.
The characters in Sanyal’s collection span a wide range of ages, from children to teenagers, adults to senior citizens. The horrors of their lives are gradually unveiled, allowing the reader to absorb the enormity of their experiences, much like peeling an onion, layer by layer, only to discover more beneath. These characters initially feel familiar, navigating life’s quirks just as we do. Sanyal then masterfully builds tension as their seemingly stable existence begins to unravel. We watch as they crumble, piece by piece, as the glue of hope that once held them together evaporates under the relentless heat of disappointment. Tormented by their pasts, many of these characters serve as conduits for us to confront our own deeply buried wounds: unresolved grief that continues to haunt us, fears we’ve kept locked away, and regrets we’re too ashamed to admit.
The story “The Spanish Boot” carries strong undertones reminiscent of the 2019 Hindi film Bala, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Yami Gautam. Poornima, the central character, seems almost like an evolution of Gautam’s character, Latika. Raised in an environment where beauty is paramount, Poornima, like many young women in India, internalizes the belief that a woman's value is intrinsically tied to her appearance. Endowed with striking features and a mother who spares no opportunity to showcase her daughter’s beauty to the world, Poornima grows up with an unwavering conviction that her looks are the key to her identity and success. As she steps into adulthood, this obsession with her appearance becomes the axis around which her entire life revolves, shaping her perceptions, relationships, and aspirations.
Poornima’s relatability, her candid conversations with her mother, and the trajectory of her life leading up to her marriage are experiences that resonate deeply with women of all ages across India. Marriage shatters Poornima’s illusions and tests her convictions. Yet, it’s compelling to observe that she remains true to herself, maintaining her integrity and steadfastness throughout. For a while, the narrative subtly hints at adultery, but then suddenly reveals an unexpected facet of Poornima—a side of her that defies the notion of infidelity.
With a deft touch, Sanyal’s narrative dares to challenge the often-simplistic notion that we always have a choice in our paths, shedding light on the harsh reality that for many, the weight of past traumas can obscure any semblance of free will.
This transformation is unsettling and thought-provoking, forcing us to confront the complexities of human nature and the fine line between victim and villain. It also makes us ponder the depths of our own capabilities as humans. Is there truly a limit to what we can do, whether in the realm of good, bad, or the ugly?
Himmat in “The Phalaris Bull” initially elicits deep sympathy and empathy from the reader. His deformities and the challenges he endures as a child are profoundly moving, painting him as a figure deserving of compassion. However, as the story unfolds, the reader is pushed to reconsider their stance, particularly when the narrative delves into how the unjust treatment, he receives plants the seeds of resentment and bitterness in his heart. This transformation is unsettling and thought-provoking, forcing us to confront the complexities of human nature and the fine line between victim and villain. It also makes us ponder the depths of our own capabilities as humans. Is there truly a limit to what we can do, whether in the realm of good, bad, or the ugly?
The tale confronts the extremes of human potential, compelling us to question how far we might go when pushed to the edge—on both sides of the moral spectrum.
This poignant exploration of mental turmoil transcends individual suffering, serving as a broader commentary on the community pressure and stigmas that often intensify these personal struggles.
In “The Iron Maiden”, the protagonist Mohan is living with gynecomastia, which, in simpler terms, are male breasts. From the beginning of the story, we bear witness to the bullying he faces at school and later at college, along with the embarrassment he feels on seeing his body in the mirror. He turns to food to cope with his emotions, rather than to satisfy hunger. Mohan’s mother is a wonderful cook—food becomes her love language as she cooks delicacies daily, acceptance her family relishing it as an indirect compliment to her.
A ragging incident at college eventually breaks Mohan’s confidence. “And thus, it was that Mohan’s up until then, well-hidden-under-loose-kurta breasts were revealed in their full glory.” The description is a powerful image that symbolizes not just physical vulnerability but also the emotional rawness of being publicly shamed. It shatters the facade Mohan has maintained, exposing him to ridicule and deepening his internal distress.
This incident triggers another, where he is abused by a girl, leaving a lasting scar on his psyche. Mohan is pushed further into isolation to reflect on an unresolved inner conflict that impedes his ability to form healthy relationships. Years later, after getting married, he avoids intimacy with his wife, only to discover an unsettling truth about himself, a discovery marks a crucial moment of self-realization, revealing the profound impact of unresolved issues on his self-worth and identity.
In tales like these, Instruments of Torture transcends the conventional boundaries of storytelling, offering readers a dive into the intricacies of the human experience. Each narrative within this collection serves as a mirror, with these stories compelling us to confront the invisible battles we all fight—battles rooted in our past, our fears, and the hidden scars we carry.
By exploring the enduring impact of psychological torment, this book does not merely tell stories; it unravels the very essence of human resilience and vulnerability.
***
Namrata is an author, editor, and book reviewer. She is a UEA alumnus and has studied travel writing at the University of Sydney. Her writings can be found on Kitaab, Asian Review of Books, Contemporary South Asia Journal of King’s College-London, Mad in Asia, The Friday Times, The Scroll, Feminism in India, The Brown Orient Journal, Inkspire Journal, Moonlight Journal, The Same, Chronic Pain India and Cafe Dissensus. Her short stories have been a part of various anthologies and she has also published two short story collections of her own. She is currently working on her debut novel. You can find her on Twitter @PrivyTrifles.
