How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"I will not be a burden to you. I am happy enough here, people are used to me and to my son. I cannot start a new life now." (23.85)
Ira is at home in the village, even though it has been an unhappy place for her. Home is not always where one is joyful, but rather where one is comfortable. Ira has grown accustomed to hardship, and she’d rather face it at home than go seek it elsewhere. Ironically, her parents will also come to the same conclusion.
Quote #8
The promise of shelter had been kept however: food, and somewhere to sleep. (24.80)
The bundles contained the last remnants of Nathan and Ruku’s old life. Losing them is a symbolic break with the old home. The new requirements for comfort are not as major as a place for family, security, and joy. Now, even basic accommodations, like food and shelter, are a comfort.
Quote #9
The children giggled delightedly, wriggling with pleasure. Their mother was peering into one of the pots on the fire, stirring and tasting. "Ready now," she said with satisfaction, wiping her streaming eyes with the corner of her sari. (25.74)
Markandaya subtly paints a picture in this paragraph. Rukmani is essentially observing an idyllic home, and you can bet she’s imagining what it would be like to be sitting across from Ira, surrounded by her own grandchildren with a warm full pot on the stove. It’s enough to comfort Ruku for the moment, but it’s still a shining example of what Ruku and her family never will have.