The question of what we consider "the message" of a novel such as The Vendor of Sweets is a question of interpretation, and there are many possible answers. A central theme in the novel is the clash between those who cling to tradition and those who rush toward progress, as exemplified by Jagan and Mali's constant conflict. This conflict comes to a head when Mali is imprisoned and Jagan is indifferent.

Another possible answer is that the novel examines the ways in which Jagan is able to position himself as a devout Hindu while being deeply hypocritical and having a dysfunctional relationship with his family. From his wife dying due to his rejection of Western medicine, to making his living selling sweets that he rejects as part of his Hinduism, to his final retreat away from the problems of his family, it is clear that this is a core theme of the novel.