A Devoted Son

Anita Desai's short tale "A Devoted Son" first appeared in the 1978 collection Games at Twilight and Other Stories. The plot concentrates on a father-son connection and investigates how time and perspective affect how intentions are perceived. Varma is happy that his son, Rakesh, is ranked top in India's academic rankings. Rakesh appreciates his parents, especially his father, for helping him succeed. He bows and puts his hand on his father's foot. Rakesh's desire and intelligence drove him to the United States to pursue an excellent medical education and bring credit to his family.

Rakesh, on the other hand, respects his mother's desires and allows her to prepare his marriage. He then returns from the United States to his hometown with his parents and new bride. He works hard in the hospital and continues to make a name for himself by improving the lives of others around him. Varma is no longer the center of the family's attention. As a result, he engages in behavior designed to draw attention. For example, he lies in bed, leading others to believe he has died. Varma pretends to die at his grandson's birthday party, and the family is so concerned that they send visitors home and begin to mourn. He immediately gets out of his bed and informs the others that he is alive and well.

When faking his death no longer works, Varma attempts other tactics to resume his position as the focus of attention, so Rakesh controls his father's food and forces him to take vitamins and other medications as he grows older. Rakesh's love for his father and desire to make him proud are consistent. He applies his medical knowledge to assist extend his father's life. Varma begins by complimenting his son's efforts on his behalf. However, he later views his son's actions as torture. This is especially noticeable when Rakesh eliminates his father's favorite foods and sweets. Varma feels that his son should be allowed to do whatever he wants, even if it is unhealthy or could result in death.

Varma even bribes his grandson to buy candy and sneak it into his home. When the bribe is revealed, Rakesh becomes enraged by his father's conduct, pointing out that Varma is educating his child to be a liar and a cheat so that he can satisfy his sugar craving. Rakesh seems to upset everyone, including Varma. Rakesh's accomplishments no longer touch the neighbors, and a few of them, particularly Old Bhatia, protest his actions when Varma comments on how he is handled. Varma ultimately becomes agitated and fails to lock himself in his room. Varma refuses to take his medicine, knocking the bottle out of Rakesh's hands.

After the glass shatters on the floor, a commotion spreads throughout the house, and the story ends with Varma declaring his desire to die. He tosses the pillows away and instructs his son to let him go.

Some Important Questions

1. How did the Varma couple make sacrifices for their son’s higher education?

ans: Mr. Varma, a worker at a Kerosene Dealer Deport, and Mrs. Varma, a homemaker who does household chores, have done and made many sacrifices for their son's higher education. Mr. Varma had never seen the school from the inside because he had never studied there. So, to realize his son's desire, he sent Rakesh to school to receive a quality education. Rakesh was the family's first son to get an education. Thus, the Varma couple worked hard and devoted their lives, time, money, and everything they had for their son's further education and medical college, to improve his future.

2. What does the story say about the relationship between grandfather and grandchildren?

ans: Desai's story "A Devoted Son" depicts a caring relationship between grandfather and grandkids. They share an unshakable relationship. Having a tight relationship, the grandfather once attempted to bribe his grandchildren into bringing Jalebis for him. He took advantage of a young child's innocence and meanness. Though he adored his grandchildren, he attempted to lead his grandson astray owing to his cruel nature. As a result, the story depicted the grandfather-grandchildren connection as naïve, tricky, trusting, and connecting.

3. Do you call Rakesh a devoted son? Give reasons.

ans: Yes, I consider Rakesh a dedicated son. He always followed what his parents suggested or wanted him to do, such as strong academic performance, marriage, and choosing to return to his home country and live with his family even though he could earn far more money in the United States. Rakesh struggled with several aspects of providing a pleasant life for his father, but he gave it his all. Despite his hectic professional schedule, he always made time for his elderly father. He never wanted his father to suffer. Hence, I believe Rakesh is a loving son in the sense that he can put his wishes aside for their betterment.