Perumayee's descriptions of her role as a domestic helper show her life as a microcosm of the broader societal issues of class disparity and exploitation within Indian society. Her employment lacks autonomy and dignity—seen in her modest living conditions and the expectation to give a portion of her salary to Chellamma. Furthermore, Perumayee's mother must work a backbreaking yet short-lived job, hauling gravel—even still, it is not enough, as intense power dynamics keep Perumayee and her family in permanent poverty.

Perumayee has no control over her circumstances. Chellamma manipulates her situation and takes a cut from her earnings. The memsahib exploits Perumayee's vulnerability to justify a lower wage. She cannot speak Hindi fluently, which limits her ability to negotiate or even understand the full extent of her duties. The memsahib does not even bother to learn Perumayee's real name, calling her "Prema" instead. By all of those around her, Perumayee is seen as a source of labor, not a person.

The narrative structure reinforces this theme of exploitation. The story begins and ends with Perumayee's repetitive task—peeling and grating. This cyclical structure creates a sense of entrapment and reflects the limitations Perumayee faces.

This theme significantly contributes to the work's overarching meaning, showcasing the systemic injustices vulnerable populations face. It highlights the challenges and hardships people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds encounter and subtly emphasizes the need for social and economic reform. However, the story does not directly call for these changes. Rather, it simply takes readers into the daily struggle of one person and then allows them to draw their own conclusions.

Hariharan subtly explores this theme through Perumayee's journey as a domestic worker. The story juxtaposes the necessity of survival, driven by economic hardships, with the desire for comfort and a better quality of life.

Survival drives Perumayee's decision to leave her rural village and work in Delhi. Her family's financial struggles, worsened by her father's abandonment and the drought, push her out of her family's home. This reflects the theme of survival, which compels people to make difficult choices to secure necessities like food, shelter, and income.

On the other hand, Perumayee yearns for comfort and a semblance of a better life. Because survival is her main focus, her desires for comfort are simple. For instance, she simply wishes to buy a sweater to stay warm at night. Despite her challenging circumstances, she seeks moments of comfort and relief from her hardships. Even holding her cold hands over the cooking onions in the kitchen feels like a luxury.

While the job provides her with a means of survival, it also exposes her to harsh working conditions, exploitation, and a lack of personal comfort. The contrast between her survival instincts and the pursuit of simple comforts portrays the complex choices people like her face.

Perumayee certainly faces many hardships. However, she perseveres throughout it all, showcasing her resilience and ability to adapt to her circumstances. Perumayee's adaptation begins when she leaves her familiar rural setting and ventures into the unfamiliar urban landscape of Delhi. Despite her initial hesitations and fears, she adapts to the city's hustle and bustle. She learns Hindi, makes new friends, and takes on the routines of her new job. This adaptation reflects her resilience and determination to make the best of her circumstances.

As a domestic worker, Perumayee faces numerous challenges, from demanding yet dull tasks to exploitative working conditions. However, she demonstrates her strength by persevering through these hardships and finding ways to cope with her situation. Her ability to adapt to the demands of her job while maintaining a sense of dignity and self-worth reflects her inner fortitude. As the story ends, Perumayee becomes one with the cooking process, symbolizing her ability to assimilate and endure despite her situation. 

While the specifics of Perumayee's circumstances are her own, this theme connects to the broader and more universal struggles of people adapting to new environments and challenges as they find ways to weather setbacks. In this way, Perumayee's journey is a powerful narrative of resilience and inspiration for readers to reflect on their capacity to adapt and persevere.