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Analysis Of Devadasi By Rishi Reddi

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Uma, a sixteen year old protagonist, was raised in the USA, while her parents united due to common beliefs in Indian culture. This becomes a problem when Uma is forced to attend the wedding of the daughter of her father’s favorite cousin, while her brothers stay studying in college. A lack of communication between parents and their children, the differences in cultural beliefs, and expectations of men versus women all lead to tensions rising. In the short story “Devadasi”, by Rishi Reddi, Uma experiences unfair treatment because of her gender and culture which leave her unsure of her place in society. Women were treated as less than men and were expected to obey all rules, while growing up in America influenced how much focus is guided …show more content…

After caught talking to Hafeez instead of interacting at the wedding, Uma’s parents are angered. She is told to sit in the back and explains, “The implication was clear: the front was too close to Hafeez” (181). Her parents view Uma sitting close and chatting with Hafeez as shameful and will not permit it to continue. Of course, this is due to the fact that Uma is female while Hafeez is male. Uma tries to protest and stick up for herself, but is shot down and obeys rules anyways. Overtime Uma grows tired of the standards for women. Women in society today are slowly gaining respect and a voice of their own, which lacked in this short story. It is to be noted that since Uma grew up in the US, she could not fully understand her parents love of Indian culture. The second night, while at a party, Uma is observing others outfits and regrets her decision. “She had refused to wear the veil modestly over her breasts, draping the dupatta over her left shoulder instead” (161-162). Generally, the USA is less modest than Hindus and Muslims. Since Uma is used to the fashion style in America, she wears the dupatta in a nontraditional way. This leads to unwelcoming stares from men that make Uma feel uncomfortable. Later that night, while witnessing her father argue over Hindus and Muslims, Uma determines, “She was an American who did not care about the differences between Hindus and Muslims” (163). The generation and cultural gap between

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