A Devoted Son

A Devoted Son by Anita Desai


Rakesh (One of the main character): He is the son of Varma who is a well behaved and duteous son. He is a brilliant student who becomes a doctor and has an opportunity to continue his practice and education in the USA. He is the son of a kerosene vendor Varma. In his father's old age, he supervises every bit of food his father eats and medicates him for every little complaint.

Veena (Rakesh's wife who was chosen by Rakesh's mother to marry his son): She is a simple and fat Indian girl married to Rakesh by the wish of his mother who is very loyal and dutiful by nature. She follows Rakesh's orders regarding his father's diet.

Varma (important character he is Rakesh's father, his character revolves around the story): He works as an oil seller at Depoand he is the father of Rakesh who hardly educates his son and has pride over his son’s achievement. But later he finds his son as a tyrant as he cuts his foodstuffs.

Bhatia (Varma ji's neighbour who often visits Varma to have conversation): He is an old neighbour of Rakesh and a friend of Varma who participates in Rakesh's family conversation and activities. He lives next door and often joins Varma to sit outside and complain about the hardships that the two of them are facing.

Varma's wife (Rakesh's mother): She is an unnamed lady who dies later, which leads to his unhappiness, and made him sick.

Rakesh's children (Two children of Rakesh who are innocent and loves plays with Rakesh's father Varma Ji): They are unnamed children who pass time and play with grandfather as well. Varma is briefly able to convince one of them to sneak him extra food.





Points to remember:

  • Rakesh was born in a village, his parents were illiterate and his father Varma Ji was a kerosene vendor, who had a dream of making his son an educated person.
  • Rakesh was brilliant student and he knew his father's struggle and he was the first person in his generation to obtain education.
  • Rakesh received the highest ranking for his medical examination, which made his parents and the villagers very happy. Varma ji's home was showered with gifts, including garlands, halwa, party wear, fountain pens, and even a few watches.
  •  Rakesh moved to the USA (Varma ji didn't know the difference between the USA and America) after receiving a scholarship and worked in some of the most prestigious hospitals there.
  •  Rakesh spends a considerable period of time in the US earning his degree; he does it effectively and receives job offers from prominent US hospitals.
  •  He gives his family the honors he receives so they can admire and keep them because of which he is able to communicate with his family as a result. 
  • He loves America, but his family is what he loves most, therefore he always planned to return.
  •  He had a lot of money, he returned to his hometown and touched his father's feet, which gave the kerosene vendor cause for pride.
  • He was planning on working in his hometown. His parents disapprove of some of his decisions in life, including why he wants to go back home and why he marries a local woman with minimal formal education. Varma feels that he ought to aim higher.
  • Rakesh's mother wants him to marry an Indian girl because thr villagers' concern was Rakesh will get hitched by a foreigner.
  • His mother chose for him to wed an illiterate woman. They soon received a son as a result of the girl's pleasant attitude as well.
  • Rakesh's ascent continued, and he soon attained the position of Director of the City Hospital at the top of the administrative organization.
  •  He also bought a car and later established a private clinic. It was the start of his good fortune.
  • However, give his parents good care. Even though he was well-known and in a prominent position, he respected his parents, made his wife laugh, entertained his friends, and was a superb doctor.
  • Rakesh's happiness, however, was short-lived because his mother's death left his father emotionally and physically ill. Varma, is devastated by the loss of his wife.
  • Now that Rakesh has his own family, he can no longer dedicate as much time to his father Varma Ji . He uses his medical knowledge since he does not want to lose his father anytime soon.
  • Varma ji was suffering from stomach ache so Rakesh prevents his dad from consuming sweets.
  • Varma ji tries to collect sweets from his grandson, which annoys Rakesh but, wants his son to have a good relationship with Varma ji.  
  •  When he realized his father was dying, his son's birthday celebration was ruined. Then, after altering his plans, he visited his father after getting back from the clinic, served him morning tea, and read the newspapers. 
  • All of these things failed to make the father happy, and things actually got worse when Rakesh began to monitor his diet or food by limiting his intake of fried foods and sugary treats. 
  • This caused the father to become concerned because he interpreted Rakesh's actions as disrespect, strictness, and maltreatment of his son. 
  • Rakesh was strict about his health, his father complained to his neighbors.
  • Varma ji, the elderly father bribed his grandson and stole candy from him.
  • Rakesh got a brass cup for his father and instructed his wife to always serve tea in brass cup. 
  • The father-son bond became chaotic. The elderly father developed a hatred for his son and daughter-in-law.
  •  Rakesh's wife avoided conflict discreetly, and Rakesh interpreted everything incorrectly as well.
  •  Rakesh made numerous attempts to enhance his father's physical and mental condition, but in vain.
  •  Varmaji declared with resolve that he didn't require his son's medications. His only wish was to pass away.
  • Rakesh was unique and superior to the others but, despite everything else he has done for Varma ji and at last lets him go.



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