Nectar In A Sieve

The famous civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr. once said: “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” Set in rural India at the dawning of a new age, Kamala Markandaya’s Nectar in a sieve tells the story of young woman Rukmani and her life with her husband Nathan, a tenant farmer whom she marries as a child bride. Throughout the book, Rukmani and her family face countless hardships and sufferings; however, she manages to keep hope and persistently battle for a better future. Markandaya thoroughly displays hope by using character Rukmani through her infertility experience, deaths of her sons, and unexpected encounter with Puli.

First, the author portrays the theme of hope when Rukmani fails to bear many kids despite her continuous effort. At the beginning of her marriage, she bears a beautiful, fair daughter, Irawaddy; but for the next seven years, she faces the barrenness that is devastating in a society that depends upon the sons for their ability to work and care for their families. Later, Rukmani comes in contact with a Western doctor by the name of Kenny, who her father sends to treat her mother’s sickness. Before Rukmani leaves for her village after her mother’s death, Kenny says “There is a look about you… It lies in your eyes and the mark is on

Through the eyes of Rukmani, Kamala Markandaya meticulously demonstrates one of the book’s prevalent themes: hope. From the beginning to end, Rukmani remains hopeful, even in the face of challenging circumstances; the author conveys Rukmani’s optimism through various situations, including her fertility problem, loss of children, and a dilemma in the city. The book’s plot reflects upon the tragedies and triumphs one would go through in life; while there may be many obstacles, one must keep hope for it calls much success and development in the