1964 Riots

The East Pakistan Riots of 1964 were an actual historical event, and in the novel, they symbolize the destructive nature of historically entrenched animosity. These riots—which manifested in violent aggression between Hindus and Muslims—affected East Pakistan, as well as parts of India such as Calcutta. This violence is part of a historical pattern of animosity between these groups, and both the narrator and the novel seek to highlight and decry such destructive patterns.

Tribid’s Death

Tribid’s death symbolizes the tragic human toll of violence and political unrest. Tha’mma, Tribid, and May were in Dhaka during the 1964 riots, and Tribid’s was tragically killed by a rioting mob. Tribid’s tragic and untimely death reflects the horrific human cost of historically entrenched violence and animosity.

Tha’mma’s Anger

Tha’mma’s tendencies towards anger symbolize self-perpetuating cycles of aggression, both in terms...