Comment on the influence of English—the language and the way of life— on Indian life as reflected in the story. What is the narrator’s attitude to English?

In the story "The Address" by Marga Minco, the influence of English—the language and the associated way of life—is reflected in the Indian context through the character of Mrs. Dorling and her family, who are living in the narrator's former home. Mrs. Dorling and her family represent a Westernized lifestyle, which is often associated with the English language and British colonial influence in India.

The use of English in the story serves as a symbol of status, education, and cultural assimilation. Mrs. Dorling and her family, who are depicted as relatively affluent and modern, speak English fluently and are comfortable with Western customs and values. This reflects the historical legacy of British colonialism in India, where English became associated with power, privilege, and social mobility.

The narrator's attitude towards English is somewhat ambivalent. On one hand, she acknowledges the importance of English as a means of communication and access to certain opportunities, particularly in a post-colonial society where English remains widely used in education, business, and government. However, the narrator also expresses a sense of nostalgia and longing for her own cultural heritage and language, which she feels has been overshadowed by the dominance of English and Westernization.

Overall, the story portrays the complex relationship between English and Indian life, highlighting both the benefits and challenges of linguistic and cultural assimilation. The narrator's attitude towards English reflects a nuanced understanding of its significance in Indian society, while also recognizing the need to preserve and celebrate indigenous languages and traditions in the face of globalization and cultural homogenization.