A DEVOTED SON by Anita Desai

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. 

A Devoted Son is a story about a young Indian man named Rakesh who becomes a successful doctor. His family is very proud of him and everyone praises him for being a good son. However, as Rakesh gets older and his father gets older, their relationship becomes strained. The father feels neglected and unloved, while Rakesh tries his best to take care of his father but also wants him to be healthy. The story shows the complicated relationship between parents and children, and how even the best intentions can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.

Characters in A Devoted Son by Anita Desai:

Rakesh:

Description: The central character of the story, Rakesh is a brilliant and devoted son who excels academically, eventually becoming a successful doctor. He is portrayed as respectful and dutiful, always showing filial piety by touching his father's feet. Despite his achievements and good intentions, his strictness about his father's health regime causes tension in their relationship.

Role: Protagonist.

Varma:

Description: Rakesh's father, an elderly man who initially takes great pride in his son's accomplishments. Over time, he becomes increasingly frail and resentful of Rakesh's strict control over his diet and medication. Varma feels deprived and powerless, longing for a more indulgent and comfortable life in his old age.

Role: Rakesh's father.

Rakesh's Mother:

Description: A supportive figure who is proud of her son's achievements and happy that he returns to India without marrying a foreign woman. She selects a traditional and docile wife for Rakesh. She dies content, having been cared for by her son during her last illness.

Role: Rakesh's mother.

Veena:

Description: Rakesh's wife, chosen by his mother from her own village. She is described as plump, uneducated, and submissive, fitting well into the family. She silently supports Rakesh's dietary restrictions on his father and is seen as complicit in his eyes.

Role: Rakesh's wife.

Old Bhatia:

Description: Varma's elderly neighbour who engages in conversations with him. Bhatia provides a sympathetic ear and is shocked by the strict dietary restrictions Rakesh imposes on his father.

Role: Neighbour and confidant of Varma.

Rakesh's Children:

Description: Rakesh's sons, who play cricket in the garden. One of them is occasionally bribed by Varma to buy sweets, highlighting the grandfather's desperation for indulgence.

Role: Grandchildren of Varma.

These characters together create a narrative that explores themes of familial duty, generational conflict, and the complexities of care and control within a family structure.

SUMMARY:

A Devoted Son is a story set in a middle-class Indian family in a village. It shows how parents have dreams for their children and how a son should fulfil his duty towards his parents.

When the exam results came out, Rakesh checked them at the garden gate, barefoot and in his pyjamas. He then went to his father, who was drinking tea on the verandah, and bowed to touch his feet. 

“A first division, son?” his father asked, smiling. 

“At the top of the list, papa,” Rakesh said quietly. 

“First in the country.” The family erupted in joy. The whole day, visitors came to congratulate the family, filling the house with celebrations. Rakesh was the first in the family to be educated, and the sacrifices made for his education were finally rewarded. To everyone who congratulated him, Rakesh’s father proudly mentioned how his son had touched his feet first thing in the morning. This gesture moved many people, making them admire Rakesh’s respect for his father.

Rakesh's success continued as he wrote a celebrated thesis, won a scholarship, and went to the USA to further his career. Despite his achievements, he returned home and married a girl chosen by his mother, much to her relief. He soon became the best and richest doctor in town.

As Rakesh's career flourished, his father grew old and frequently fell ill. Rakesh took care of him diligently, ensuring he had a strict diet and regular medicines, though the old man longed for his favourite foods. This care, while well-intended, caused friction as the old man felt deprived and controlled.

Despite the care, the old man felt increasingly miserable and wished for death. He complained to his neighbour Bhatia about how his son restricted his food. His declining health led to more medication and hospital visits, making him feel trapped and dependent.

Rakesh continued to care for his father, but the old man, feeling resentful and hopeless, rejected the medicines. In a final act of defiance, he smashed a bottle of tonic, declaring he wanted to die. His son's devotion, seen as loving by others, was perceived by the old man as oppressive, highlighting the complex dynamics of familial duty and love.

He gave one push to the pillows at his back and dislodged them so he could sink down on his back, quite flat again. He closed his eyes and pointed his chin at the ceiling, like some dire prophet, groaning, “God is calling me—now let me go.”

Source:

Curriculum Development Centre. “A Devoted Son.” English Class 12, 1st ed., Ministry of Education, Science and Technology: Curriculum Development Centre, 2021, pp. 189-198.