How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Merry, that is, until a crust of bread fell on the road or a sweetmeat toppled from an over-ambitious pyramid when, all childishness lost, all play forgotten, they fought ferociously in the dust for the food. (25.16)
Poverty has taken childhood away from these children – they’re reduced to mere animals. In spite of the happiness they find in play, their poverty is ultimately a greater defining force in their lives.
Quote #8
"Outsiders should not be allowed," they grumbled. "Are there not enough destitute in this city without the whole of India flocking in?"
We looked at them resentfully: were we not as hungry as they? Soon we were looking at newcomers with a fearful eye, wondering with each fresh new arrival how much less there would be. (27.6)
We see in the novel how poverty breeds isolation, competitiveness, pettiness, and suffering. When Ruku has these simple fears when she looks at other poverty-stricken people, the problem suddenly becomes a lot clearer. There simply isn’t enough to go around, and even what little people get from charity is only going to be diminished by the ever-expanding need for charity.
Quote #9
But how? We have no money. My husband can till and sow and reap with skill, but here there is no land. I can weave and spin, or plait matting, but there is no money for spindle, cotton or fibre. For where shall a man turn who has no money? Where can he go? Wide, wide world, but as narrow as the coins in your hand. Like a tethered goat, so far and no farther. Only money can make the rope stretch, only money. (27.11)
Here we see the vicious cycle of poverty – without a little money, it seems one can’t make a little money. Poverty is a dead end; and it adds insult to injury that one can see the road to riches, but can’t take the first step onto it.