Question

In the story 'A Devoted Son' by Anita Desai Rajesh, the son, touches his father Varma's feet. What is the significance of this, and how does it change as the story progresses?

Answer 1

Touching the father’s feet signifies both respect and authority for him by the devoted son. This show of respect and authority has been embedded to the son, he stopped touching his father’s feet but he carried with him the authority and respect he felt for his father even after becoming a doctor. The devoted son continuously showed his father the respect and authority and this somehow has taken a toll on their relationship especially when the father was succumb to sickness. He showed his respect and authority to his father by ensuring that he lived as long as the son can provide by giving the father the necessary medications. This displeased the father because he felt the other way around.