A Devoted Son by Anita Desai (Summary and Analysis)- NEB Grade 12- English

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 About Author

Anita Desai, original name Anita Mazumdar, (b. 1937- ) is an Indian novelist, short story writer and the writer of children’s books. As a biracial child born to a German mother and Indian father, Desai was exposed to German, Hindi and English language from her childhood. After completing her B. A. from University of Delhi, Desai began to publish her stories and novels. Her novels Cry, The Peacock (1963) Where Shall We Go this Summer (1975), Fire on the Mountain (1977), Clear Light of the Day (1980), In Custody (1984) Baumgartner’s Bombay (1988), Journey to Ithaca (1995), Feasting, Feasting (1999) and Zigzag Way (2004) received mixed response from the readers. She received Shahitya Academy Award for her novel Fire on the Mountain. Her novel In Custody was adapted into a film in 1993. She published several volumes of short stories including Games at Twilight and Other Stories (1978), Diamond Dust and Other Stories (2000). Two of her Children’s Books The Village and the Sea (1982) and The Artist of Disappearance (2011) became popular among Indian children. 


Characters

Dr. Rakesh (who become the first person to be educated from the poor family in village)

Mr. Verma (Father of Rakesh, who works very hard as a vegetable vendor)


About Story

‘The Devoted Son’ is extracted from her collection of stories, The Complete Short Stories. ‘A Devoted Son’ is a realistic story set in a middle-class Indian family in an Indian village. The story shows how parents cherish their ambition towards their children and how a son should fulfill his duty towards the parents.

“A Devoted Son” is a short story that revolves around Dr. Rakesh. He is raised in a poor Indian family in the countryside. His father, Varma dreams of making his son a great person by sending school and giving good education. So, he works very hard as a vegetable vendor. To his excitement, Rakesh finishes all his medical examinations securing top marks and become in the highest rank. His parents celebrate this amazing moment. 

Varma is so excited to share the news about Rakesh's grades and his journey to medical school in America. The news even became adorable for the neighbors who pay respects and wish them well. Mr. Varma is so proud to have a son like him who is known by everyone. 



Rakesh spends a good time in America and completes his degree. After his study, he joins in prestigious hospitals in The US. With his duty and honesty, he receives different awards and he sends them to his family. This is how he makes keeps in touch with his family. 

As planned, Rakesh returns to his village after working in the US hospitals for a while and making some money. It was his commitment to be back to his place and serve there. However, it was not what his parents expected they are not so happy with his decision. They were shocked by his decision of getting married to a village girl with no education. Varma insists that he should have bigger dreams. Rakesh is quite determined what he believes and he does accordingly.

Then Rakesh starts working in the city hospitals and with his dedication, he is soon promoted to the Director post. Although he works as a senior, he always remembers his past and he never compromises the happiness of his family. He gets a son and now he has his complete family.

After a short time, he hears sad news of his mother passing away. It is more difficult for Mr. Varma to deal with the situation. To overcome this situation, Rakesh does whatever is possible and he is aware of the health of his father. His good knowledge of medicine comes in use to take care of his father. 

To maintain the good health of his father, Rakesh sets some rules like banning sweets for his father because he already had a big belly. It could be more dangerous. But his own son gives sweets to his father. Rakesh is worried about his son who might be less honorable and disrespectful. He expresses his resentment about it. But he does not stop taking care of his father even in a difficult situation. He also cancels his son's birthday party when his father was in a bad health. 

The entire story deals with the family relationship of Mr. Varma and Rakesh, family dreams and success. Desai wants to deliver a strong message here- wherever we will be, no matter what position we are in, we should be always there for our elders and support them at the time they need us. Because they once would have sacrificed their wills and desires for the sake of their children. Till the end, Rakesh tried his best as a son and as a doctor for the betterment of his father.  


Themes

gratitude, desire, change, longing, choice, freedom, defiance, loyalty


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A Respectable Woman by Kate Chopin (Summary and Analysis)- NEB Grade 12 (New Course) English

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