How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
There we were, the four of us, hysterical, released, rocking with laughter and gasping for breath which ran out as fast as we sucked it in. The hollow cheeks and bulging stomachs, the grotesque, jutting bones, became matter for laughter; already, though they were still with us, in our minds they belonged to the past—to the painful past that we thrust from us with all our force; and the laughter was in some measure born of relief that we could do so. (17.2)
At some point, the degree to which this family suffers is actually absurd. It seems like there is always something devastating occurring: starvation, losing daughters to prostitution, monsoons, drought, etc. The characters of this story seem to only be able to make sense of it through laughter. Their laughter is strange: in some ways it’s triumphant, but in other ways, it’s really just an opportunity to recognize the utter insanity and great irony of everything that’s happened to them. Laughter takes power and gravity away from suffering, but it also might be the only way one can react to a suffering that is inexplicable and unjustifiable.
Quote #8
Nevertheless, after a little while he did go to her and his gentleness melted her last remnants of control, for she began to weep. I heard her crying for a long time. (22.30)
Ruku is at first alarmed that Ira shows no signs of horror or revulsion at her own child. When Ira finally does break down, Rukmani doesn’t go to her. Is this Ruku breathing a sigh of relief that her daughter is not crazy? Does Ruku feel ashamed at all for not alleviating any of Ira’s suffering?
Quote #9
For all their play they looked as if they had never eaten a full meal in their lives, with their ribs thrusting out and bellies full-blown like drums with wind and emptiness; and they were also extremely dirty with the dust of the roadside and the filth deposited upon it; and the running sores many of them had upon their bodies were clogged with mud where blood or pus had exuded. But they themselves were forgetful of their pains—or patient with tem as the bullock had been—and played naked and merry in the sun. (25.16)
Suffering isn’t the only emotion present in the novel. Even in the most awful situations, there are moments of joy to be snatched from the clutches of despair. These street kids have the same desire for joy that other kids do, even if they don’t live totally normal lives and are reduced to scrapping over crusts.