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Who are the protagonist and antagonist in the "Games at Twilight", and what are its setting, theme, and major and minor conflicts?
Quick answer:
In "Games at Twilight," Ravi is the protagonist, while Raghu serves as the antagonist, embodying the cruelty of childhood. The story is set in India, post-independence, at a family home with a yard, garage, and shed. The major theme is isolation, highlighted by Ravi's experiences during hide-and-seek. The major conflict is Ravi's internal struggle for recognition, while the minor conflict involves sibling disputes over game roles. The narrative unfolds on a hot day, transitioning from afternoon to twilight.
The protagonist in “Games of Twilight” by Anita Desai is Ravi. While playing hide-and-seek, Ravi does his best to hide from Raghu. He hides in an abandoned shed where he speculates about some of his worst fears such as snakes and spiders. Ravi has never won the game and after hiding for a long time, he emerges from the shed only to be called a fool by Raghu.
Raghu is the antagonist in the short story. He calls his younger brother, Manu, an idiot once he finds him. Also, Raghu arrogantly kicks Manu and calls Ravi a fool. Raghu’s actions make him seem like a bully.
The story is set in India in a family home that is characterized by a garage and an abandoned shed. A major theme in the story is that of isolation, which is portrayed by the events that Ravi experiences while playing hide-and-seek. The major conflict is Ravi’s struggle to be recognized by his siblings and the feeling of giving up due to losing many games. The minor conflict entails the siblings arguing about the person who will be “it” while playing hide-and-seek.
A protagonist is the main character. In this story, the protagonist is Ravi, a small introspective boy who is a member of a large family.
An antagonist is the opposing force against whom the main character is fighting. The antagonist is technically Raghu. He is the oldest child, and he is “it” in the game that Ravi and his siblings are playing. The antagonist is also childhood, because the cruelty of childhood is the problem.
The major conflict is an internal conflict within Ravi. He is frightened, then triumphant, then sad.
The minor conflict is between Ravi and his siblings, because they forget him.
The setting is a family house and the yard in India. The story likely takes place just after India got its freedom from England. The yard includes a garage and a shed in which Ravi hides. It is a very hot day and the sun is dangerous. It is approximately late afternoon when the story starts, and twilight when it ends.
The theme is the cruelty of childhood. Ravi discovers that his siblings have abandoned him, and the joy he had in thinking he won the game turns to alienation.
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