Rumer Godden's Early Life in Colonial India
A personal reflection on childhood, family dynamics, and colonial upbringing in India.
1Colonial India Origins
Rumer Godden reflects on her family's arrival in colonial India during the intense heat of August 1906. Her mother, who initially desired ten sons, instead raised four daughters. This setting provided the backdrop for Godden's early development, shaping the unique cultural environment that would later influence her extensive literary career.
2Dramatic Birth Circumstances
Born in December 1907 at Uncle Alfred Edward’s house in Eastbourne, Godden’s arrival was marked by immediate drama. Her mother suffered a fall down the stairs just before midnight, necessitating a doctor's visit through a blizzard. She was even born with a tooth, which the cook considered a sign of luck.
3Sibling Bond Dynamics
Godden and her sister Jon were born only fourteen months apart, creating an exceptionally close bond. Godden describes herself as living in Jon's shadow, a position she found natural given Jon was the firstborn. Their relationship was so intense that she likens their connection to being Siamese twins during their childhood.
4Naming and Expectations
Her mother, influenced by the popular novel The Lilac Sunbonnet by SR Crockett, insisted on naming her after the character Winsome. While her father added Ruth and Key to the name, the moniker proved ironic. Godden notes she was far from the sickly, sweet character portrayed in the fashionable literature of that era.
5Parental Romantic Context
During the period of Godden's birth, her parents were still deeply in love, creating a specific atmosphere within the household. This romantic euphoria influenced her mother's choices, including the naming of her children. The family structure in India was defined by these early emotional dynamics before the complexities of colonial life emerged.
6Early Physical Traits
The author recounts being born with a tooth located in the roof of her mouth, which required surgical removal. While the cook, Ellen, interpreted this as a lucky omen, the reality was more inconvenient. This physical detail serves as an early example of the author's self-described tendency toward drama and unconventionality.
7Literary Influences Observed
The memoir highlights how contemporary literature, such as SR Crockett's works, permeated the domestic lives of colonial families. By contrasting her own highly strung and naughty personality with the nauseating sweetness of fictional characters, Godden establishes a critical distance from the idealized childhood tropes that were prevalent in early twentieth-century British society.
8Reflective Narrative Significance
These recollections provide a window into the intersection of personal identity and historical colonial settings. By detailing the mundane and the dramatic aspects of her upbringing, Godden illustrates how family expectations and literary trends shaped her early life. This memoir serves as a foundational text for understanding her later creative perspective.
Original article: Scroll.in — Rumer Godden's Early Life in Colonial India