Student Question
What are three points of disagreement between Rakesha and Varma?
Quick answer:
Rakesh and Varma, from "A Devoted Son" by Anita Desai, disagree on several key points. Firstly, Varma is puzzled and disapproving of Rakesh's decision to leave his successful career in the US to return to their Indian village. Secondly, Varma disapproves of Rakesh's marriage to an uneducated local girl. Lastly, they clash over Varma's diet when Rakesh restricts his sweets, leading Varma to secretly obtain them through his grandson.
“A Devoted Son” is a short story written by Anita Desai which appeared in the short story collection, Games at Twilight and Other Stories, which was published in 1978.
Dr. Rakesh and Varma are father and son. The family are poor and live in an Indian village. Varma sells vegetables and is proud of his son’s educational and professional achievements.
Rakesh and Varma first disagree when Rakesh wants to return home from the US. Varma doesn’t understand why his son would want to leave his successful US career for a job in his hometown. They further disagree when Rakesh falls in love with and marries a local village girl who is uneducated.
Years later, when Varma is ill, Rakesh tells him he should no longer eat sweets. However, Varma gets Rakesh’s son, his grandson, to get some for him. Varma tells his son and his wife that he does not like them but, despite this, Rakesh continues to care for his poorly father.
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