Page 109 - DENG503_INDIAN_WRITINGS_IN_LITERATURE

Unit 12: Rupa Bajwa: Sari Shop—Characterisation and Plot Construction

• While The Sari Shop contains an engaging and highly entertaining plot, Rupa Bajwa’s prose Notes
is often uneven and lacks a clear direction, especially towards the middle, that can possibly
attributed to this being her debut novel. Hopefully her writing skills will improve and she
will continue to publish thought-provoking books with memorable characters in the near
future. Recommended, especially for those who enjoy Indian literature.
• The stunning ending is melodramatic, and Ramchand’s change of character may not be
completely realistic, but the story moves effectively from its quiet character study at the
beginning into a compelling story of characters whose lives overlap, often unwittingly.
Sometimes darkly humorous, the story has considerable charm because Ramchand himself
inspires empathy. Intimate and thoughtful in its depiction of the various social strata which
make up the community, the novel is more understated—less sensational and less political—
than some of the more panoramic epics which have come from India in the past decade.
Mary Whipple.
• Her newness is obvious, even to the unskilled. But that is not a criticism per se. Her
imagination, vulnerability, and even her weaknesses are cause to want to read on to the end.
It is because she is not yet refined that the reader extends her grace and continues on to learn
what she has to say and see where her characters go. I applaud this first effort and hope she
will give us further enrichment into her world and opportunity to watch her mature into a
major force in literature.
12.4 Key-Words

1. Perceptive : Having or showing sensitive insight.
2. Bystander : A person who is present at an event or incident but does not take part.
3. Avidity : Extreme eagerness or enthusiasm.

12.5 Review Questions

1. Discuss the characterization of Sari Shop.
2. What is the plot of Sari shop? Discuss.
Answers: Self-Assessment
1. (i) Ramchand (ii) Sales
(iii) Wedding.
12.6 Further Readings

1. Bajwa, Roopa. 2004. The Sari Shop. New Delhi: Penguin.
2. Johnson, Harry M. An Introduction to Sociology.
3. Khushwant Singh. 2004. This Above All. The Tribune.
4. Lodge & Wood. 2003. Modern Criticism & Theory. Pearson Education.
5. Rege, Sharmila. 2003. Sociology of Gender. New Delhi: Sage Publications.

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