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Literary Devices
Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis—Rukmani and Kunthi:
Rukmani and Kunthi act as foils of each other, with the women representing opposite example of womanhood. Rukmani is a faithful, traditional wife, while Kunthi is a sex worker with a failed marriage. Rukmani presents her sexuality as positive because it occurs within the confines of marriage, which she sees as a social good. Take, for example, this passage in which she reflects happily on physical intimacy with her husband Nathan over the course of their marriage:
A woman, they say, always remembers her wedding night. Well, maybe they do; but for me there are other nights I prefer to remember, sweeter, fuller, when I went to my husband matured in mind as well as in body, not as a pained and awkward child as on that first night.
Related Themes:
Chapter 7
Explanation and Analysis—Rukmani and Kenny:
Rukmani, an Indian mother and wife, and Kenny, a British doctor, can be read as foils. These unlikely friends take completely opposite approaches to life's struggles. Rukmani is passive and accepting, while Kenny actively fights for change, as shown in this passage from Chapter 7:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“We have a little rice—it will last us until times are better.”
“Times are better, times are better,” he shouts. “Times will not be better for many months. Meanwhile you will suffer and die, you meek suffering fools. Why do you keep this ghastly silence? Why do you not demand—cry out for help—do something? There is nothing in this country, oh God, there is nothing!”
Related Themes:
Chapter 12
Explanation and Analysis—Rukmani and Kenny:
Rukmani, an Indian mother and wife, and Kenny, a British doctor, can be read as foils. These unlikely friends take completely opposite approaches to life's struggles. Rukmani is passive and accepting, while Kenny actively fights for change, as shown in this passage from Chapter 7:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“We have a little rice—it will last us until times are better.”
“Times are better, times are better,” he shouts. “Times will not be better for many months. Meanwhile you will suffer and die, you meek suffering fools. Why do you keep this ghastly silence? Why do you not demand—cry out for help—do something? There is nothing in this country, oh God, there is nothing!”
Related Themes:
