Children’s Exposure to Social Reality in light of Ranjit Lal’s Faces in the Water

Abstract

This research explores the intersection of children’s exposure to social realities and literature, focusing on Ranjit Lal’s Faces in the Water. The novel, aimed at young adult readers, addresses the harrowing issue of female infanticide within an affluent, educated Indian family, dismantling the assumption that such practices are confined to marginalized communities. Through the protagonist Gurmi’s journey, the narrative critiques patriarchal oppression, highlighting the complicity of both men and women in sustaining gender discrimination. By employing a child’s perspective, Lal balances serious themes with engaging storytelling, using elements of fantasy and youthful innocence to render the subject accessible to young readers. This study situates Faces in the Water within the broader framework of developmental psychology, children’s literature, and social awareness, examining how fiction can foster empathy and inspire moral engagement in young audiences. The research underscores the transformative potential of literature in shaping socially conscious individuals and challenging oppressive societal norms, demonstrating how narratives designed for young readers can function as vehicles for social critique and change.