A Devoted Son

Food is an important symbol throughout the story because it reflects wealth. With their house bordering a garbage dump and Varma working as a kerosene dealer, the story implies the main characters don’t have much money before Rakesh becomes successful. When Rakesh earns the top academic scores in the country and becomes a doctor, Varma uses food to show others how successful he has become.

Having sweets also speaks to the success that Varma has found through his devoted and intelligent son. Being able to indulge is a luxury and one that would only come with having money to buy sweet foods. Varma becomes upset when he’s denied these treats because it feels like he’s having a luxury taken from him.

The removal of sweets from Varma’s diet coincides with the neighbors no longer being impressed with Rakesh. This doesn’t mean that he is no longer successful, but the removal of the sweets and the attention makes Varma feel that he’s been abandoned and forgotten. Without the food that allows him to feel rich and important, he becomes grumpy and petulant.