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: Analysis of the Narrator's Attitude Towards Indian Customs

This page delves into the narrator's complex relationship with his cultural heritage:

The narrator rarely mentions Indian traditions explicitly, but his actions and thoughts reveal his evolving attitude. He quickly adapts to life in foreign countries, readily embracing new customs. For example, he switches to eating cornflakes daily instead of Indian dishes and speaks only English.

The arranged marriage tradition is a significant focus. Initially, the narrator views it with indifference, seeing it as a duty to be fulfilled rather than a joyous occasion. After the wedding, his perspective shifts slightly as he recognizes his responsibility to care for Mala, though he still views it more as an obligation than a partnership.

Quote: "He realizes that Mala now belongs to his household and that he has to take care of her."

Highlight: The narrator's use of words like "household" and "duty" when referring to his marriage suggests an initial emotional distance from this Indian tradition.

The narrator's attitude towards Indian customs is complex, showing a willingness to adapt to new cultures while still feeling bound by certain traditional expectations. This internal conflict is a key element in his character development throughout "The Third and Final Continent".