A Devoted Son

From boyhood, Rakesh in "A Devoted Son" has been devoted to his parents. He expresses this in various ways. As his father grows old and needs more care, Rakesh continues to tend to his needs. Even at...

What Mr. Varma means by this comment is that his son Rakesh is showing ingratitude for everything he's done for him. As far as Mr. Varma's concerned, he's the one who's responsible for his son's...

Rakesh's devotion as a son in "A Devoted Son" remains consistent throughout the story. Despite his father's increasing demands and difficult behavior, Rakesh continues to care for him, fulfilling his...

Varma, Rakesh's elderly father in "A Devoted Son," grows increasingly resentful as his son's care limits his freedom. Feeling restricted by Rakesh's control over his diet, Varma's frustration mounts,...

Rakesh in "A Devoted Son" is not portrayed as a hypocrite. Rather, he embodies the fulfillment of societal expectations without personal authenticity. He dutifully meets his parents' expectations,...

In "A Devoted Son," Veena smirks after her husband Rakesh gives her instructions for the old man's diet. Her smirk signifies satisfaction, even glee, at her father-in-law's miserable plight.

The ending of "A Devoted Son" by Anita Desai is seen as ironic and logical. The story encourages reflection on "devotion," showing how Varma's pride in Rakesh's achievements leads to unexpected...

In "A Devoted Son," true devotion means respecting someone's wishes for their benefit, even if it conflicts with one's own beliefs. Morally, it is more correct for Rakesh to honor his father's...

In "A Devoted Son," Rakesh’s wife does not share a very good relationship with her father-in-law. She keeps watch on the old man and makes sure, at the behest of her doctor husband, that he sticks to...

Conflicts in "A Devoted Son" include Rakesh's struggle with societal expectations versus his personal desires. Rakesh excels academically and fulfills traditional roles, yet lacks a personal voice,...

Varma and Bhatia in "A Devoted Son" are both elderly men who depend on their families for care. They face restrictions imposed by their families, with Varma's son controlling his diet and Bhatia's...

Upon seeing his excellent exam results, Rakesh's first action is to bow down before his father and touch his feet reverentially. This act demonstrates Rakesh's filial devotion and humility, despite...

Overall, one would have to say that Varma is being unreasonable and that his stubbornness is the main contributing factor in the breakdown of his relationship with Rakesh. At the same time, Rakesh...

In "A Devoted Son," Rakesh brings his old father tea every morning. The story makes it clear that throughout his life, Rakesh honors and respects his father. However, when his father is old, Rakesh's...

In "A Devoted Son," two incidents display villagers' bonhomie: first, when they gather to celebrate Rakesh's academic success, bringing gifts and sharing in the joyful atmosphere akin to a festival;...

The protagonist mocks his family's behavior because Rakesh, his son, imposes strict dietary restrictions on him in the name of extending his life, stripping away the joy of eating. This control...

Questions exploring the theme in "A Devoted Son" include whether Rakesh truly embodies devotion or if his controlling behavior towards his father's health reflects deeper issues. Is his attitude...

Neighbors visited Rakesh's family because Rakesh achieved the top rank in the country's medical school examinations, a rare and significant accomplishment in their community. As the first in his...

A quote that encapsulates the theme in "A Devoted Son" is when Rakesh's father laments, "My own son...weighs the food he gives me...That is what it has come to." This highlights the irony of...

Varma is proud of his son, Rakesh, for excelling in his school examinations, achieving the highest rank in the country, which fulfills Varma's expectations and enhances his reputation among...

Anita Desai's "A Devoted Son" primarily aims to highlight the importance of family loyalty and doing the right thing for loved ones, even when it leads to conflict or disappointment. Through Rakesh's...

Rakesh's relationship with his father would likely have remained strained regardless of whether he stayed in India or went to America. The main issue was the lack of authentic communication and...

The themes in Desai's "A Devoted Son" highlight important life concepts such as the evolving dynamics in parent-child relationships and the impact of social expectations. The story illustrates how...

Rakesh's family is thrilled about his return from the U.S. due to his outstanding success as a top medical student and his decision to live with his parents. His mother is relieved he didn't bring...

Varma dislikes taking medicine because it symbolizes the loss of control over his life and the deprivation of foods he once loved. His son's insistence on a strict regimen of pills and powders to...

Mr. Varma wants to die because he feels his quality of life is deteriorating due to his son Rakesh's strict control over his diet. As Mr. Varma's health worsens, Rakesh limits his father's enjoyment...