My setting is in rural India.
QUESTION:
Characterization: Describe two dominant characters in the book you are reading. Include physical characteristics and what they are like as people. Response: In the novel Nectar in a Sieve the character Nathan is the husband of the main character Rukmani. He is described by Rukmani as "poor in everything but in love and care for me, his wife". Both Rukmani and Nathan are described as unattractive, poor people. Nathan did not even own the plot of land that he farmed, he rented it. Also, their home he built by hand with thatch and mud. It had a dirt floor. Throughout the story you can tell that there is a deep rooted respect and love in this marriage, which happens to be arranged. Nathan empowers Rukmani by complimenting her garden in their backyard when he himself farms a huge piece of land. This makes Rukmani feel good and she plants even more vegetables for their family. He also never stops her from reading and writing, a skill he himself does not have. The book has an underlying tone that seems that Nathan is not your normal average Hindi man. It implies that men in this culture might not love their wives, are mean and belittling, and not really kind. Rukmani's descriptions of their relationship help strengthen a different positive perspective about Hindi men. |
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