Student Question
How does Jagan show interest in his son's activity in The Vendor of Sweets?
Quick answer:
Jagan shows interest in his son's activities by preparing for his own future rather than reacting directly to Mali's arrest. Instead of rushing to the police, Jagan uses the situation to focus on entering the final stage of his life, organizing his business affairs. Although not indifferent, he ensures Mali is financially supported and likely will try to prevent his imprisonment. Ultimately, Jagan prioritizes putting his own life in order.
Jagan has a very funny way of showing interest in Mali's (criminal) activity. He prepares to enter into the last stage of his life, putting his business affairs in order before finally disengaging from a world he no longer truly understands.
One might have thought that Jagan would hurry off to the police station once he'd heard of Mali's arrest. But no. Instead, he sees this unfortunate event as an opportunity to do what he should've done years ago: prepare for the next, and final, stage of his life.
That's not to say that Jagan is completely indifferent to his son's plight. He will make sure that Mali's provided for financially. And one certainly can't believe that, for all the tensions between father and son, that Jagan won't do everything he can to prevent Mali from going to prison. But for now, Jagan must put his own house in order—something he's been delaying for far too long.
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