Character Analysis and Plot Development
Theresa, the main character, is portrayed as naive and impulsive in her approach to addressing poverty and injustice. Her interactions with a street boy named Santosh form a central part of the narrative.
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Santosh, a 12-year-old boy living in a shelter, becomes the focus of Theresa's attention due to his ability to communicate in English. His backstory reveals a history of family abuse and ongoing struggles within the shelter system.
Quote: "Santosh has a rough life so far: his father is an alcoholic who abuses and tortures the whole family."
The story contrasts Santosh's experiences with those of wealthy characters like Cawas, Zenia, and Savak, who belong to the Parsis community. Their disgust and lack of empathy towards street children highlight the deep-rooted social divisions in Indian society.
Highlight: The story uses antitheses, contrasts, and juxtapositions to emphasize the different perspectives and attitudes towards poverty and injustice.
The author employs various stylistic devices, including foreshadowing, to hint at future events in the story. The use of harsh language and swearing serves to illustrate the raw reality of life in India for many characters.