Family Bonds

The theme of family bonds is particularly present in the relationship between Shiva and Marion. When the two are born, they are literally conjoined at the head, a connection that is abruptly severed by the cold, sterile operating scissors. Marion claims that this is his earliest memory - being separated from his twin. Throughout their childhood, the two sleep in the same bed, and always find themselves lying head-to-head. Despite the fact that the boys grow up to have very different personalities, Marion still feels connected to his brother. This bond is broken, however, when Shiva betrays Marion and sleeps with Genet. This betrayal is even more cutting than the operating room scissors, and Marion feels as if he will never forgive his brother. Verghese makes a point of saying that family bonds can never truly be broken, and when Marion falls ill and is on his...