How does the play bring out the different meanings of the term 'Will'

How does the play bring out the different meanings of the term ‘Will’ ?

Write a note on the importance of the title of the play.

Ans.

Importance of Will

The title of this play includes the word ‘will’ which has been variously explained and presented through different characters in various interpretations. If we go through the play, we find that the main action is directly concerned with the will made by Hasmukh. But one remarkable thing about this will is that outwardly it seems to be very undesirable and like the members of the Hasmukh family, the readers also feel a touch of dislike. It creates an impression as if they have been debarred from their family money and property and everything has been handed over to Mrs. Kiran Jhaveri. But this is not the fact. Hasmukh has come to feel that his son is good for nothing and Preeti is very shrewd so it is very important to restrict them. It is with this intention to change their habits and to work harder that the will has been drafted. It is again through the will that Hasmukh remains effective and dominates them even after his death. Kiran is quite correct in her remark, “he could rule from his grave by making his will.” So the will by Hasmukh is the most important element of this play. It is not simply a document but a powerful instrument. Therefore the title of the play is quite appropriate.

In the Interest of the Family

After the death of Hasmukh, the family solicitor calls them to read the will to them. According to which they will have to follow the instructions or all the money and property will be divided among the charity institutions. The conditions of the will are very powerful and certainly all of them are compelled to mend their ways. Ajit has now started attending office regularly and Preeti has to accept Kiran as the member of the family. It has been mentioned in the will and none of them can violate its instructions. This will is equally operative. But the same will is certainly in the interest of the company and the family. Kiran explains the real interpretation of this will when she says. “I am only the trustee of all his wealth. Not the owner…Everything rightfully belongs to the three of you, provided you follow his instructions.” She has been entrusted with the duty of taking all the major decisions in the interest of the company. She has to train Ajit in office matters and will delegate the responsibilities to him step by step. The moment some of them violates any condition he is deprived of the money and Kiran warns him that he is violating the instructions of the will. In fact, it is this will that keeps all of them under control and teaches them the way to their proper development.

Different Will of different persons

The other meaning of the will is that all of them have their own desires. Preeti’s only intention is to grab the whole money and property of her father-in-law. After the will is read to them. she is the most angry because her will of getting the money has been shattered. She even intends to go to the court and get the will cancelled by proving that when Hasmukh made this will, he was insane although this step of hers is not realized because the certificate of the doctor is attached with the will that he was quite healthy. It is also realized that Ajit’s will has also been badly hurt. All of them return very much disappointed. Ajit’s first reaction is, “He has ruined us! The old man has taken us for a nice ride.” However, he did not show any haste in achieving his will as Preeti had done. This will of getting money possesses her so strongly that in a way, she has murdered her father-in-law by changing his blood pressure pills with her vitamin tablets. Hasmukh is very well aware of her nature and calls her a serpent.

Kiran has a different type of will. Her only will is that she should get financial support from Hasmukh. It is for this purpose that she has joined his company and accepts to be his mistress. This will of Kiran may not be independent but she seems to have been compelled by the circumstances of her family. Her husband is a great drunkard and wants a bottle of beer everyday but her will does not cross the limits of propriety.

In this way, will has various meanings for different persons. Hence the title of the play is quite appropriate.