Behind the Beautiful Forevers

by

Katherine Boo

Teachers and parents! Our Teacher Edition on Behind the Beautiful Forevers makes teaching easy.

Sonu Gupta Character Analysis

Known as the "blinky boy" in Annawadi due to his copious health problems, Sonu is a scavenger who tries to convince Sunil to be more hygienic, hard-working and honest. Sonu acts as Sunil’s partner until Sunil becomes a thief with Kalu. Sonu is one of the few examples of true moral compass in Annawadi, but Boo shows that Sonu will not have a very bright future as a scavenger.
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Sonu Gupta Character Timeline in Behind the Beautiful Forevers

The timeline below shows where the character Sonu Gupta appears in Behind the Beautiful Forevers. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 10: Parrots, Caught and Sold
Society, Competition, and Social Division Theme Icon
One afternoon, Sunil sees Sonu Gupta, another scavenger two years older than Sunil, walking down the road with a full... (full context)
Society, Competition, and Social Division Theme Icon
Opportunity, Corruption, and Inequality Theme Icon
Sunil begins to work with Sonu, helping him sweep and then searching the airport grounds for more trash. After a couple... (full context)
Society, Competition, and Social Division Theme Icon
Opportunity, Corruption, and Inequality Theme Icon
Sonu and Sunil may do well outside of Annawadi, but they are still targets for the... (full context)
Chapter 13: Something Shining
Opportunity, Corruption, and Inequality Theme Icon
The Local vs. The Global Theme Icon
...are eating rats and catching frogs. Sunil has become a thief, desperate to make money. Sonu is disgusted with Sunil’s dishonorable behavior, but Sunil knows he must do what he has... (full context)