Island

Content Warning: This section quotes offensive language about children born with congenital disabilities.

“‘What he means,’ Dr. MacPhail explained to the child, ‘is that he hated his father. A lot of them do.’”

Dr. Robert speaks to Mary Sarojini about Will, the outsider. Dr. MacPhail suggests that there are many people like Will in the West who have issues with their parents. Familial structures in the West contrast with those in Pala, an important thread throughout the book. Though many Western families consist of a couple with biological children, that doesn’t mean that they are close. The novel shows the benefits of Pala’s Mutual Adoption Club, which takes a community-based approach to child rearing.

“I’m the man who won’t take yes for an answer.”

Will refers to himself this way throughout the novel. He implies that nothing is ever good enough for him. He is characterized by bitterness and despair throughout the novel, which is juxtaposed with Dr. Robert’s view that—in spite of human ignorance throughout history—one should maintain hope. Will’s worldview begins to transform with exposure to Pala’s culture, particularly its emphasis on awareness and the present.

“Only an infatuated lover would have entrusted himself, not to mention his guest, to such a chauffeur.”

Unlike the Rani, Will notices that Murugan, who drove Colonel Dipa around, is likely gay. Will is perceptive even if he lacks vision for most of the novel, blinded as he is by his own despair.