Twitter Acclaims and Disdains V S Naipaul, Who Passed Away at 85

A brilliant writer or a misogynist?

Nobel laureate Sir Vidiadhar Surajprasad Naipaul, fondly known as ‘Vidia’

(Photo: Twitter/AdviceToWriters)

Trinidad-born Nobel laureate V S Naipaul passed away on Saturday, 11 August, at the age of 85. Social media, to no one’s surprise, was immediately flooded with reactions. But this time around, the chatter was significantly divided.

While some remembered Naipaul as a stalwart, who’s left behind a legacy that needs preservation, others pointed out the problematic aspects of his work, thus raising the age-old question: Can the artist be dissociated from his work?

In 2001, Naipaul was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for “having united perceptive narrative and incorruptible scrutiny in works that compel us to see the presence of suppressed histories.”

Remembered as a Brilliant Writer by Many

For his many of his fans, Naipaul’s body of work, especially his post-colonial scholarship, reflects his intellectual scrutiny and skill.

Also Read: PM Modi Condoles Demise of Nobel Prize-Winning Author VS Naipaul

Also Read: Nostalgia and Grief on Twitter As VS Naipaul Passes Away at 85

“Let’s Not Forget the Problems,” Say Critics

However, for his numerous critics, Naipaul’s writing is perturbing, and some even consider it bigoted.

Also Read: VS Naipaul: Fear, Loathing and Racism, But in Luminous Prose

Can We Separate the Writer from the Work?

A few on Twitter asked this question, highlighting the complexity inherent in literature.

Which side of the debate are you on? Tell us in the comments section.