How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
As my pregnancy advanced she turned completely away from me. Sometimes I saw her looking at me with brooding, resentful eyes, and despite myself I cold not help wondering if hatred lay behind her glance. (11.39)
It seems like the reasonable thing for a loving mother to do would be to reach out to Ira. Though Ruku went so far as to bring Ira to Kenny for fertility treatment, it seems she treats Ira like a lost cause since her husband won’t take her back. Perhaps Ira has hard feelings because she can feel that her life is essentially over. Ruku doesn’t seem to do anything to dispel those feelings – it’s a little surprising how little comfort and love she seems to give Ira in these hard days.
Quote #5
"It is as you say a long time ago," I said wearily. "That she is evil and powerful I know myself. Let it rest." (14.80)
Ruku and Nathan have already built their life together. They’ve known each other long enough that it’s worth it to look over the indiscretions (Nathan’s children with Kunthi, Ruku’s visits to Kenny) if they want to sustain their marriage. Ironically, the relationship they’ve built is why they stay together, even though they’ve learned that relationship was built on some lies. Apparently the good parts of love are enough to get them through the bad parts. They’re emotionally mature, but they’re also really comfortable with each other.
Quote #6
"A baby is no worse for being conceived in an encounter."
"You may be right," I said bitterly, "but you do not realize the shame of it. People have not spared us." (18.69)
Rukmani has chosen to concern herself with the talk of others, instead of choosing to do right by her own daughter. She always knew Ira was meant to be a mother, and she knows what drove Ira to prostitution. Still, she cannot bring herself to be happy or supportive of her daughter. Again, her love of Ira seems compromised, perhaps because she values her own feelings above her love for Ira.