Power and Influence

Throughout the novel, power and influence are depicted as forces that corrupt institutions, distort justice, and shape personal fates. The story presents a world where official authority is often abused or ineffective, and where real power lies not in principles but in wealth, social standing, and the ability to manipulate others without consequence. Jolly is the clearest embodiment of this toxic power. His wealth and political connections allow him to act with impunity, believing he can control or destroy anything that threatens his dominance. The killing of the koi fish at his party serves as a metaphor for this dynamic: when a minor comment wounds his pride, Jolly responds not with reason but with violence. The fish, beautiful and harmless, symbolize the vulnerable lives under his control, including Bachni and Munia. His ability to destroy them without fear of reprisal highlights the implications of...