Question

What is a character analysis of Ammaji in Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard?

Accepted Answer

Ammaji is portrayed as a kindly and supportive grandmother who is tied into tradition but willing to support younger generations. She cares for Kulfi while the latter is pregnant and takes over some of Kulfi's duties which she sees Kulfi failing to perform them. We see her support Sampath in his role as a spiritual leader, defending him against criticism and eventually opening a tea stall beside his tree and telling stories to pilgrims in his place at times.
We also see Ammaji portrayed as a comic figure at times, unable to keep up with younger generations (for example, when her dentures stick in a cone of ice cream, or when she is unable to keep up with Pinky despite wearing tennis shoes).
Ammaji's character adds depth to Desai's complex depiction of family relationships and the way multiple generations of a family relate to tradition in a context of colonialism and modernization.

Answer

Ammaji, in Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard, binds the family together. She has her set of beliefs based on her traditions and thinks that the same could also apply to other members of the family, like watching the planetary configurations, singing to the baby, and opting for traditional remedies.
She thinks that her daughter-in-law is incompetent in running the house, so she takes over the domestic affairs. It also makes her happier because she can now have better control over the house. She, in no way, is going to be reserved because she is old; she will participate in every affair of the house. 
Ammaji, in many ways, has her eye on everything. She makes sure that the grandchildren get some sort of emotional acceptance and validation from the family. She even covers up for her grandkids, making sure that they have the fun they want and not get called out for it.
She will do anything to keep the house together. She is also the source of several comical reliefs, such as in Chapter 9 when her dentures get stuck to a cone and a monkey arrives.

Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard

What is a character analysis of Ammaji in Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard?

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What is a character analysis of Ammaji in Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard?

Expert Answers

Unlock This Answer Now

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