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.

Answer 1

The central theme of Kamala Markandaya's Nectar in Sieve is the religion. Religion is presented from secular point of view amidst in all the tragic consequences family faces and in all the moral and physical pains they suffer from. Therefore, it is rather paradoxical to find that the religion has been used from positive aspect. The use of theme amidst the tragic events shows author's cynic approach towards religion. For example, when Rukmani visits her mother, the author narrates her thoughts as:

"...and together we would pray and pray before 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..."

Later in the novel, Rukmani describes Gods as not remote, not unheedful because they heard her son Kuti's cries and made her calm. However, it is not the praise of Gods because she later learns that Kuti's improvement was due to Ira's earning from prostitution.