`a fine balance` by Rohinton Mistry

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Nectar In A Sieve by Kamala Markandaya

In Nectar In A Sieve , Kamala Markandaya emphasizes the changes that every character must adapt to . While in some cases characters try to avoid change or feel pity towards themselves , only those who accept and adjust to change persevere . By showing the various choices that one makes , and their outcomes , Markandaya expresses her opinion that since change is inevitable , in to survive one must have hope and be optimistic about the future (Jain 74-87

p There are several situations in Nectar in a Sieve in which characters must deal with change , after which they learn that it is inevitable and must accept it . At first , Rukmani insists on disregarding the tannery and is reluctant to acknowledge their influence in her life "They may live in our midst but I can never accept them (p . 32 . Although she wants her life to return to normal , as it was before the intruders came this is impossible she must learn to share her land and culture with those who change it in "a myriad ways " Ruku does not find happiness until she learns to accept the changes that the tannery brings to her village , some of which she finds beneficial . Nathan , whose biggest desire is to pass his land on to his children , is faced with overcoming the disappointment of his sons ' longing to leave their village . His biggest obstacle is to accept the fate of his sons , which he is able do when he realizes that the reason for the better life his family is leading is the wages his sons bring home . Ammu , Ruku and Nathan 's daughter-in-law , is not accepting of the sudden change that life brought her . She must support her family alone after Murugan left his wife and children in hopes of a better life . As several characters undergo change , Markandaya emphasizes that it is impossible to escape change and one must recognize it to persevere

Numerous times in Nectar in a Sieve characters are able to adjust to the change , and be hopeful for the future . Through different characters Markandaya illustrates that without optimism and determination one cannot live contentedly . When Nathan and Ruku are too poor to return to their village from the city , Nathan reassures her by saying "when the time comes , the strength will be forthcoming , never fear (pg . 97 Because of his strength of mind , Nathan was finally able to succeed in surpassing the dramatic change in his life . Puli , orphaned at a young age and completely self-reliant , survives alone in the city because of his persistence and unwillingness to give into the pressures of change He is able to adjust to change easily once again when he moves with Ruku as her adopted son . Although he had seemingly little to lose , his ability to completely change his life is carried by his hope for a better future . Ammu , on the other hand , is more caught up in...