Page 2: Chronological Events in the Narrator's Life

This page provides a detailed summary of the narrator's life events:

Born in Calcutta in 1933, the narrator faces early tragedy with his father's death and mother's subsequent mental illness. He cares for his mother while completing his education. After his mother's death in 1964, he moves to London at age 31.

In London, he lives with other Bengali immigrants and works at the London School of Economics library for five years. In 1969, his brother arranges his marriage to Mala, which the narrator accepts out of tradition rather than love.

The narrator moves to Massachusetts for a job at MIT, with Mala set to join him later. He initially stays at the YMCA before renting a room from 103-year-old Mrs. Croft. The two develop a mutual respect and fondness.

When Mala arrives, the narrator moves out. They live near MIT, initially as strangers. After Mrs. Croft calls Mala "a perfect lady," the narrator begins to appreciate and eventually love his wife.

Mrs. Croft's death affects the narrator deeply. Years later, the couple lives outside Boston with their son, and the narrator works in a college library.

Highlight: The narrator's journey through three continents (India, Europe, and North America) mirrors his personal growth and adaptation to new cultures.

Page 3: Cultural Adaptation

The narrator's relationship with Indian traditions reveals a complex pattern of adaptation and assimilation. He readily embraces American customs, choosing cornflakes over Indian dishes and primarily speaking English. His arranged marriage is viewed pragmatically, neither with enthusiasm nor resistance.

Example: The narrator's preference for cornflakes over traditional Indian breakfast demonstrates his willingness to adapt to Western culture.