Question

Identify two situations where Rukmani refers to the gods and goddesses throughout the novel. What do these situations reveal about the way themes are developed in the novel? Responses should be at least 150 words. Someone, please help even if you BS your way through.

Answer 1

The Gods and Goddesses of her religion play a big role in Rukmani's life. Through all the struggles that she endures in her life, she is always able to resort to them. One example occurs when she talks about her struggles conceiving. We learn that Nathan and Rukmani asks for a child constantly, "but the Gods have other things to do; they cannot attend to the pleas of every suppliant who dares to raise his cares to heaven. And so the years rolled by and still we had only one child, and that a daughter."

Another example occurs when the roof of Kali's house is destroyed, and she has no means to fix it. Rukmani, however, cannot help her. "At least it stood until the worst was over," said Kali to me, "and by God’s grace we were all spared." She looked worn out; in the many years I had known her I had never seen her so deflated."

These situations support the theme of spirituality and hope. Through these quotes, we learn that even when going through difficulties, the Gods remain a constant presence and source of hope in the lives of the people.

Answer 2

One of the first hints we can find about gods in Nectar in a Sieve is found in Chapter 3, when Rukmani talks about the difficulties her and her partner, Nathan, have to conceive a child. In her visit to her mother, who is a very spiritual person, Rukmani criticizes the god's willingness to help human beings:

"My mother, whenever I paid her a visit, would make me accompany her to a temple, and together we would pray and pray before the deity, imploring for help until we were giddy. But the Gods have other things to do; they cannot attend to the pleas of every suppliant who dares to raise his cares to heaven. And so the years rolled by and still we had only one child, and that a daughter."

Another example of Rukmani's reference to gods, is found in her description of her youngest son's health condition, as well as her struggling to help him. This can be found in Chapter 16:

"I gazed at the small tired face, soothed by sleep as it had not been for many nights, and even as I puzzled about the change, profound gratitude flooded through me, and it seemed to me that the Gods were not remote, not unheedful, since they had heard his cries and stilled them as if by a miracle."