Comparing The West In Markandaya's Nectar In A Sieve

In this source, the two authors find the similitude between the time period Markandaya publishes this novel and the problems people faced. On top of addressing how Markandaya connects with her novel through her past, this source also claims that she provides a, “vent to the sufferings of the ordinary Indians” (2). They emphasize the East-West encounter in Nectar in a Sieve, especially through the industrialization and the presence of Dr. Kenny. Through the characters, the audience can perceive the distinct differences between the two cultures; the East is more passive and submissive while the West is more active and conscious of their rights. Another major concept is the value of marriage; in the East, it is a sacrament, while in the West, it is merely a contract. This contrast on marriage is touched upon by many other sources

Rather than being married to a man equal status of her father, she was married off to a tenant farmer, and even that too, at the age of twelve. As her new life began, and every step of the way, she encountered a new problem. Just as a previous source mentions, that no single conflict is resolved unambiguously. Rukmani finds her answers in Kenny, the tannery, and even Puli. Although each answer took something valuable away from her, she returns to the idea that life is circular; no matter how close you think you are to freeing yourself from miseries, life will pull you back to where you best belong. Based on the detailed analysis on Nectar in a Sieve, the reader must be well aware of the circumstances the characters are in. However, this article is comprehendible by students of any age, just as long as they read the novel. Taking into account the depth of the analysis, the authors do not present a slanted view or make assumptions on this novel, mainly because they provide surplus amounts of evidence for each of their