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Chapter 9
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Beyond the Sky and the Earth, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Culture Shock and Home
Buddhism and Everyday Life
Ethnic Nationalism and the Outsider Perspective
Women’s Role in Society
Summary
Analysis
One day, Mr. Iyya excitedly breaks the news that the King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, is coming to Pema Gatshel soon. Classes are temporarily canceled as the school prepares for the visit, and Jane and some other teachers from nearby villages come to be there too. During this waiting period, Zeppa has a Bhutanese cocktail of whisky with orange squash with Jane and comes down the next morning with giardia. She feels awful but still gets ready to meet the King, including putting on a kira and a raichu (red ceremonial scarf).
The concept of a king playing such a big part in everyday life is another thing that makes Bhutan different from life in Canada. Once again, Zeppa tries to show that she is willing to fit in with Bhutanese culture by putting aside how she feels sick and by trying to wear the proper clothes for this momentous occasion.
Themes
There is commotion in the village right up until the moment when the King arrives. Bhutanese people aren’t supposed to look at him directly, but Zeppa looks with Jane. They’re caught staring and have to look down again. Zeppa also embarrasses herself by falling asleep in the middle of the King’s speech in Dzongkha. Afterwards, the King thanks all the teachers in English for doing their important education work. He shakes hands with Zeppa and Jane, saying he hopes they’ve enjoyed Bhutan so far. Later, Zeppa hears from the headmaster that the King was confused by Mr. Iyya, who smiled and nodded through the whole speech, even though he doesn’t speak Dzongkha.
This passage shows how in spite of Zeppa’s best efforts to fit in, she still can’t help some of the differences. These include her inability to understand the King’s language, which is part of why she falls asleep. Her efforts contrast with those of Mr. Iyya, who seems to be in awe of the King and trying to impress the King without taking the time to try and understand things. The whole experience, including how much preparation the King’s visit takes, shows Zeppa how much the Bhutanese people revere their monarch.
Themes
