The Shadow Lines

“For her, time was like a toothbrush: it went mouldy if it wasn’t used.”

This is an early indication of how judgmental and absolutist Tha’mma is. There is nothing wrong with saying that time should be used well, but she also declares herself the arbiter of what time well spent looks like.

“Likes and dislikes were unimportant compared to the business of fending for oneself in the world.”

In Indian society, one is born to a certain class. Likes and dislikes that are unrelated to one’s class are not worth bothering with. The quote also highlights how rigid the caste system is and how people have to fight just to survive in a system that defines their worth despite their potential.

“You can’t build a strong country without building a strong body.”

Tha’mma says this when pushing the Narrator outside to play. She sees even the act of a child playing as an opportunity to work for the state. Tha’mma also believes that a country consists of people with allegiance to making said country a success. People must therefore be strong to uphold a strong country.