A+Devoted+Son

**A Devoted Son **

**Characters ** The characters are portrayed in from a third person omniscient point of view of the narrator, this is effective in allowing us to understand that what each character is thinking. The narrator most vividly describes the emotions and inner thoughts of the father, which is effective because lol allows a more comprehensive understanding of the father’s changing attitude towards his son throughout the story. This provides the story with a stronger sense of conflict, thus making it more dramatic and appealing to the reader.

Rakesh: A humble and respectful son of Varma. He completes his examinations with the top spot in the country, and goes on to study abroad in the U.S.A., and decides to return to work in his home town back in India. He opens a clinic in his home town after working for the local hospital, buys a new car and quickly becomes the richest doctor in town.

Varma: Father of Rakesh. He worked as in a kerosene dealer’s depot all his life and never went to school. That is why he feels great pride in knowing that his son is the most accomplished doctor in town. Varma is surprised in his son’s initial response to him wanting more food, then as time passes, his discontent grows into anger and bitter disappointment. It is ironic because although his son has provided him with everything outwardly, a large mansion, servants who take him out for evening air etc, he is also at the same time stripped of everything; his dignity, his freedom his control over the family etc because of the accomplishment and behavior of his son. Desai plays with the idea of Varma having everything, and nothing at the same time in the story. Great.

Veena: Wife of Rakesh. Rakesh chose to return to India and marry the woman his mother has chosen for him. She obediently follows Rakesh’s orders around the household, especially carrying out supervision over Varma’s diet. She is seen to relish in the act of causing old man Varma lots of pain in denying him of the food he wishes for.

Mother: Mother of Rakesh, a traditional housewife, she does not play a major role in the story. She is very proud of her accomplished son and gloats to others in town. She dies in the beginning of the short story due to illness, with Rakesh being the one to register to last illness. Through Rakesh ministering her last illness, this sets up a contrast for his behavior towards his father later in the story. It also sets up a sense of foreshadow expression for the future events in the story, with him treating his father’s illnesses with the same type of devotion as he did with his mother.

<span style="color: #800080; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; tabstops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">I'm not sure I understand why you see this as a contrast in treatment.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; tabstops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">Bhatia: An old friend of Varma who frequently visits him. Varma shares his dissatisfaction with his son’s behavior with him and Bhatia shocked to hear of his behavior. Like Varma, Bhatia holds a very traditional point of view on the state of a father-son relationship.

<span style="color: #800080; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; tabstops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">What role do you see food as playing in this story?

<span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">**<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Themes ** <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">__<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Education __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">: Education plays is Expression <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> a central theme in this short story. The author positions the reader to believe that the lifetime achievement of Rakesh is awe inspiring as he wins over the respect of everyone in town. However, at the end of the short story, the author suggests the education of Rakesh leads him to disrepect his father and force him to eat foods he does not want. In this story, the importance of education in new ideas battles against ideals of tradition. The theme of intellectual differences within the family leads to conflict, each side believing they are doing what is ‘right’. Another aspect of this theme Desai brings out through the text is the irony how westernized education and modern advancements is generally believed as superior to tradition; however though the plots of the novel, modern advancement has lead to Varma’s sufferings.

<span style="color: #800080; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; tabstops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">Good points.

<span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">__<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Family __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">: Family, and the hierarchy of power within the family, is also a central theme. The author presents a great conflict between traditional indian views on family hierarchy (filial piety), where the elders in the family have most power and a modern belief on family hierarchy, where the most educated knowledgeable one should have most say. Both sides of the hierarchy is presented in the short story. Varma and Rakesh have different views on acting out the traditional practice of filial piety, Varma believes that an act of respect and humility would be to honor one’s wishes, demonstrated in his longing for certain kinds of food. Rakesh however, believe that to respect someone would be to do what is best for them, in this case due to his medical education, provide them with the healthiest of foods so they can live longer. Despite his sons helpful intentions of care for his health, Varma finds his denial of foods he craves extremely disrespectful. Desai uses this conflict between the contemporary and traditional takes on filial piety as a source of irony in the story. <span style="color: #800080; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">Excellent.

<span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">__<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Social Class __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">: Social Class is closely linked to education in this story. Varma is an uneducated man who has never been to school, and so he works a low class job in a kerosene depot, labeling himself with a low social class image. Rakesh is an educated and accomplished doctor, who is rich and famous in town. In the story, Rakesh is seen to overthrow his father’s control in the family because he believes he is has a higher social status. What was the grandparent's generation? Also, does the town remain in awe of Rakesh?

<span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">__<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Tradition Vs Modern __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">: This theme is the accumulation of the other themes above. The contrast in ideals and beliefs between Varma and Rakesh leads them to act in different ways, both believing that they are doing what is best for each other. However, the irony is that neither side accepts the views held by the other throughout the story.

<span style="color: #800080; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; tabstops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">I wonder whether it is more about how they interpret 'devotion' differently.

<span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">__<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Age and Longevity* __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">: Desai plays with the traditional idea of long life being a blessing versus the reality in the story where Varma is forced to take pills to extend his life when he no longer wishes to life ?? <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">any longer. Varma’s deteriorating health leads Rakesh to increase his intake of medication in order to preserve him for a longer time. Despite his extended life span due to his abundance of pills, Varma finds his life deprived and sad since he can no longer enjoy the pleasures he onces had under the strict regime of his son. This ties in with the theme of long-life being a curse in Varma’s case, contrary to the traditional Indian view on long life as a blessing. Do you see this in other Desai stories?

<span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">__<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Fame and Fortune* __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">: In the beginning, Rakesh brings the family fame and a higher social status by achieving the highest grades in the country - such achievements are described as "fruits of sacrifice", and "golden and glorious." Throughout the beginning of the story, Varma and his wife are frequently described to be basking in the glory that their son has brought them, and flaunting the fact that their son is so successful. Desai, using a very general third person point of view, describes Rakesh's rising fame, fortune and glory and also the way it fades after a while; Varma is described to have "very quickly went to pieces" as it dissipates. This reflects the huge role that fame and fortune plays in the Indian culture. In the end, this fame and fortune is what causes Varma to suffer (and maybe his death) - perhaps Desai is trying to make a point that fame and fortune will be the death of those who value it too much. Hmmm. Maybe... Not convinced of this. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; tabstops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">*Cheung Sarah, A Devoted Son, Anita Desai, EngA1S012tracesgames, http://enga1s1012tracesgames.wikispaces.com/A+Devoted+Son, Oct-17-2010

<span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">__<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Culture __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">: Rakesh's treatment and care for Varma represents a Western culture. How does 'Western culture' understand the human body and how do you know it's 'western'? <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">This "western culture" forbids Varma in consuming any traditional foods that he enjoys, causing him to suffer - here Desai indirectly describes the detrimental effects that westernization has had on the Indian culture. <span style="color: #800080; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">I think this is stretching it a little....This <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">is emphasized in page 76, where Rakesh says, '"I don't allow anyone in the house to buy sweets in the bazaar, Papa, surely you know that. There's cholera in the city, typhoid..."' Buying sweets in the bazaar is an innate aspect of the Indian culture, and yet Rakesh, whose actions symbolize westernization, is forbidding it. This represents a loss of culture/tradition in India. In the household, maybe. But the food is in the bazaar... You may need to moderate your claims a bit in this paragraph.

<span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">**<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Significance of Title ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; tabstops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">Desai plays with the idea of what defines a ‘devoted’ son in the short story. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; tabstops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">Varma holds the traditional Indian view on devotion being that the wishes of the elders must be respected. Rakesh evidently respects his father throughout the entire story, it is how he acts according to his belief of devotion compared to that of his father’s that creates a strong contrast. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; tabstops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">Rakesh expresses his devotion towards his father through taking great care of his health, controlling his diet and trying to implement medication to his diet, <span style="color: #800080; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; tabstops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">What kind of medicine? <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; tabstops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">here he acts out his devotion with a western educated background. However, his father does not view his acts as acts of devotion, he finds it greatly disrespectful because his wishes are denied and ignored. Good points.

<span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">**<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Setting/Social Climate ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; tabstops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">The story begins with Varma’s son Rakesh achieving the best results possible in an exam making him the first in the country. This is much celebrated as Rakesh is the first in the family to receive an education and much had been sacrificed to make it possible for him to make it through college and medical school, his father used sell vegetables in the market as well. From this we can tell that the fact that Rakesh, born to illiterate parents, achieved this is highly remarkable and special. The way that Varma was treated by his son and his daughter in law Veena, doing everything that’s supposedly good for his physical health but neglecting the condition of his mental health, shows that old people are much respected in society but they are so out of duty and nobody actually cares how the elderly feel. People like neighbours in the story like to gossip and be involved in other people’s business. They talked about Varma’s successful son, even though there was ‘more envy than rancor’. Varma seems to enjoy his neighbours and friends’ attention, telling them about his son’s achievement and so on. Later on Varma found solace in complaining to his friends his condition of not getting anything he wants. This shows how people in the story like to talk about other people and how some actually enjoy being talked about.

<span style="color: #800080; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; tabstops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">Many good points!

<span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 24.0pt 48.0pt 1.0in 96.0pt 120.0pt 2.0in 168.0pt 192.0pt 3.0in 240.0pt 264.0pt 4.0in 312.0pt 336.0pt 5.0in 384.0pt 408.0pt 6.0in 456.0pt 480.0pt;"> **__<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Structure __** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 24.0pt 48.0pt 1.0in 96.0pt 120.0pt 2.0in 168.0pt 192.0pt 3.0in 240.0pt 264.0pt 4.0in 312.0pt 336.0pt 5.0in 384.0pt 408.0pt 6.0in 456.0pt 480.0pt; tabstops: 24.0pt 48.0pt 1.0in 96.0pt 120.0pt 2.0in 168.0pt 192.0pt 3.0in 240.0pt 264.0pt 4.0in 312.0pt 336.0pt 5.0in 384.0pt 408.0pt 6.0in 456.0pt 480.0pt;">The structure of the short story is in chronological order, starting from the beginning where Rakesh gets his exam results back to when he becomes an accomplished doctor. Desai may have chose to structure the story in this order because it allows the development of Rakesh’s behavior to become more evident, since the reader will be able to pick out the stark contrast with his obedient behavior at the beginning of the story with his controlling attitude towards the end. This chronological order of the plot helps bring out the themes mentioned above. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 24.0pt 48.0pt 1.0in 96.0pt 120.0pt 2.0in 168.0pt 192.0pt 3.0in 240.0pt 264.0pt 4.0in 312.0pt 336.0pt 5.0in 384.0pt 408.0pt 6.0in 456.0pt 480.0pt; tabstops: 24.0pt 48.0pt 1.0in 96.0pt 120.0pt 2.0in 168.0pt 192.0pt 3.0in 240.0pt 264.0pt 4.0in 312.0pt 336.0pt 5.0in 384.0pt 408.0pt 6.0in 456.0pt 480.0pt;">Desai also uses foreshadowing in the plot; when Rakesh’s mother dies, Rakesh ministers her last illness, this serves a foreshadow for his actions towards his father later in the short story. The use of a foreshadow <span style="color: #800080; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 24.0pt 48.0pt 1.0in 96.0pt 120.0pt 2.0in 168.0pt 192.0pt 3.0in 240.0pt 264.0pt 4.0in 312.0pt 336.0pt 5.0in 384.0pt 408.0pt 6.0in 456.0pt 480.0pt; tabstops: 24.0pt 48.0pt 1.0in 96.0pt 120.0pt 2.0in 168.0pt 192.0pt 3.0in 240.0pt 264.0pt 4.0in 312.0pt 336.0pt 5.0in 384.0pt 408.0pt 6.0in 456.0pt 480.0pt;">foreshadowing <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 24.0pt 48.0pt 1.0in 96.0pt 120.0pt 2.0in 168.0pt 192.0pt 3.0in 240.0pt 264.0pt 4.0in 312.0pt 336.0pt 5.0in 384.0pt 408.0pt 6.0in 456.0pt 480.0pt; tabstops: 24.0pt 48.0pt 1.0in 96.0pt 120.0pt 2.0in 168.0pt 192.0pt 3.0in 240.0pt 264.0pt 4.0in 312.0pt 336.0pt 5.0in 384.0pt 408.0pt 6.0in 456.0pt 480.0pt;">serves as a tool also to bring out the themes of family, culture etc. <span style="color: #800080; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: 24.0pt 48.0pt 1.0in 96.0pt 120.0pt 2.0in 168.0pt 192.0pt 3.0in 240.0pt 264.0pt 4.0in 312.0pt 336.0pt 5.0in 384.0pt 408.0pt 6.0in 456.0pt 480.0pt; tabstops: 24.0pt 48.0pt 1.0in 96.0pt 120.0pt 2.0in 168.0pt 192.0pt 3.0in 240.0pt 264.0pt 4.0in 312.0pt 336.0pt 5.0in 384.0pt 408.0pt 6.0in 456.0pt 480.0pt;">Good points.

<span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 24.0pt 48.0pt 1.0in 96.0pt 120.0pt 2.0in 168.0pt 192.0pt 3.0in 240.0pt 264.0pt 4.0in 312.0pt 336.0pt 5.0in 384.0pt 408.0pt 6.0in 456.0pt 480.0pt;"> **__<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Irony __** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 24.0pt 48.0pt 1.0in 96.0pt 120.0pt 2.0in 168.0pt 192.0pt 3.0in 240.0pt 264.0pt 4.0in 312.0pt 336.0pt 5.0in 384.0pt 408.0pt 6.0in 456.0pt 480.0pt; tabstops: 24.0pt 48.0pt 1.0in 96.0pt 120.0pt 2.0in 168.0pt 192.0pt 3.0in 240.0pt 264.0pt 4.0in 312.0pt 336.0pt 5.0in 384.0pt 408.0pt 6.0in 456.0pt 480.0pt;">Irony is used a recurring essence of the plot. <span style="color: #800080; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 24.0pt 48.0pt 1.0in 96.0pt 120.0pt 2.0in 168.0pt 192.0pt 3.0in 240.0pt 264.0pt 4.0in 312.0pt 336.0pt 5.0in 384.0pt 408.0pt 6.0in 456.0pt 480.0pt; tabstops: 24.0pt 48.0pt 1.0in 96.0pt 120.0pt 2.0in 168.0pt 192.0pt 3.0in 240.0pt 264.0pt 4.0in 312.0pt 336.0pt 5.0in 384.0pt 408.0pt 6.0in 456.0pt 480.0pt;">Meaning? <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 24.0pt 48.0pt 1.0in 96.0pt 120.0pt 2.0in 168.0pt 192.0pt 3.0in 240.0pt 264.0pt 4.0in 312.0pt 336.0pt 5.0in 384.0pt 408.0pt 6.0in 456.0pt 480.0pt; tabstops: 24.0pt 48.0pt 1.0in 96.0pt 120.0pt 2.0in 168.0pt 192.0pt 3.0in 240.0pt 264.0pt 4.0in 312.0pt 336.0pt 5.0in 384.0pt 408.0pt 6.0in 456.0pt 480.0pt;">Varma originally likes how Rakesh is devoted and respectful to him in the beginning of the plot, where Rakesh bows down and touches his feet. However, at the end of the story, as Rakesh begins to take care of Varma’s health, he is in fact still being obedient and respectful, but only with the knowledge of western medical eduction, but he causes Varma great sadness and grief. The irony lies in Varma’s tradition view on the emphasis on filial piety, supposed to bring parents comfort and joy, leads to his suffering. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 24.0pt 48.0pt 1.0in 96.0pt 120.0pt 2.0in 168.0pt 192.0pt 3.0in 240.0pt 264.0pt 4.0in 312.0pt 336.0pt 5.0in 384.0pt 408.0pt 6.0in 456.0pt 480.0pt; tabstops: 24.0pt 48.0pt 1.0in 96.0pt 120.0pt 2.0in 168.0pt 192.0pt 3.0in 240.0pt 264.0pt 4.0in 312.0pt 336.0pt 5.0in 384.0pt 408.0pt 6.0in 456.0pt 480.0pt;">It is also ironic how Rakesh is hailed by other villagers at the beginning of the story as a son whom everyone else wishes they have, due to his respect to his parents and his life accomplishments. However, it turns out that he brings his father great sorrow without knowing so. <span style="color: #800080; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 24.0pt 48.0pt 1.0in 96.0pt 120.0pt 2.0in 168.0pt 192.0pt 3.0in 240.0pt 264.0pt 4.0in 312.0pt 336.0pt 5.0in 384.0pt 408.0pt 6.0in 456.0pt 480.0pt; tabstops: 24.0pt 48.0pt 1.0in 96.0pt 120.0pt 2.0in 168.0pt 192.0pt 3.0in 240.0pt 264.0pt 4.0in 312.0pt 336.0pt 5.0in 384.0pt 408.0pt 6.0in 456.0pt 480.0pt;">Good points. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 24.0pt 48.0pt 1.0in 96.0pt 120.0pt 2.0in 168.0pt 192.0pt 3.0in 240.0pt 264.0pt 4.0in 312.0pt 336.0pt 5.0in 384.0pt 408.0pt 6.0in 456.0pt 480.0pt; tabstops: 24.0pt 48.0pt 1.0in 96.0pt 120.0pt 2.0in 168.0pt 192.0pt 3.0in 240.0pt 264.0pt 4.0in 312.0pt 336.0pt 5.0in 384.0pt 408.0pt 6.0in 456.0pt 480.0pt;">*The omniscient third person narrative gives readers a dual view on the story. Readers can understand how the “devoted son” wishes to honor his father in return through his skill and profession: medicine. We understand how his father tries his patience and becomes stubborn like a child who knows not what is good for him. “ He complained so frequently and developed so many diseases, some so mysterious that his son could not make out if it was merely a peevish whim.” Yet, we see from the side of the father who has lost all pleasures of his life. He becomes a “slave” to his son in order to preserve his health, and lives under the shadow of his son’s fame as the richest doctor in town. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; tabstops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">*Pang Whitney, A Devoted Son, Anita Desai, EngA1S012tracesgames, http://enga1s1012tracesgames.wikispaces.com/A+Devoted+Son, Oct-15-2010

<span style="color: #800080; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt; tabstops: 35.45pt 70.85pt 106.3pt 141.75pt 177.15pt 212.6pt 248.05pt 283.45pt 318.9pt 354.35pt 389.75pt 425.2pt 460.65pt;">Excellent overall. A publishable guide to the story. Just a few points we need to discuss further. Put in page numbers where you give examples and quote.