46 pages • 1 hour read
Thrity UmrigarA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
“Even though Shannon told me you were Indian, I just assumed you were born abroad. You sound like a pucca American.”
Upon learning Smita lived in India until she was 14, Mohan expresses surprise, as she does not sound like an emigrant, but rather a “pucca American.” Although pucca is a Hindustani word (meaning “solid” or “permanent”), it was once used during British rule of India, most often as part of the phrase “pucca sahib,” meaning the “right” kind of British ruler. Thus, Mohan’s comment is likely a jab at American cultural imperialism.
“Smita Agarwal looked out of the car window onto the streets of a city she had once loved, a city she’d spend the last twenty years trying to forget.”
This quote foreshadows Smita’s painful past. Until she reveals her trauma later in Honor, the reader is left to speculate why she is trying to forget India and whether or not she’ll be able to remain professional while covering Meena’s story.
“Mohan’s tone was ironic, as if he was mocking himself. Still, no self-respecting American male would have admitted to such a thing. If one of the Indian American men her mother had tried setting her up with when she was younger had made such a confession to her, she would have been contemptuous. But as she stood there in the hospital hallway, Mohan’s admission felt normal. Human. She could see his point of view.”
Mohan just admitted he does not like being alone and is not independent like Smita. She cannot help but compare him to Indian American men but realizes he is more authentic, or “human,” as she calls him. This reflection suggests she is dynamic, someone capable of change. It also suggests Smita and Mohan’s relationship will become less antagonistic as the novel progresses.
Plus, gain access to 8,450+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
By Thrity Umrigar
Asian American & Pacific Islander...
View Collection
Books on Justice & Injustice
View Collection
Books that Feature the Theme of...
View Collection
Class
View Collection
Class
View Collection
Colonialism & Postcolonialism
View Collection
Community
View Collection
Family
View Collection
Fear
View Collection
Grief
View Collection
Hate & Anger
View Collection
Loyalty & Betrayal
View Collection
Memory
View Collection
Popular Book Club Picks
View Collection
Popular Study Guides
View Collection
Pride & Shame
View Collection
Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine...
View Collection
Safety & Danger
View Collection
Valentine's Day Reads: The Theme of Love
View Collection