“Biju knew he probably wouldn’t see him again. This was what happened, he had learned by now. You lived intensely with others, only to have them disappear overnight, since the shadow class was condemned to movement. The men left for other jobs, towns, got deported, returned home, changed names. Sometimes someone came popping around a corner again, or on the subway, then they vanished again. Adresses, phone numbers did not hold. The emptiness Biju felt returned to him over and over, until eventually he made sure not to let friendships sink deep anymore./The Inheritance of Loss”
Explore This Quote Further
Analysis
In this quote from "The Inheritance of Loss" by Kiran Desai, the character Biju reflects on the transient nature of relationships and friendships in his life. The passage highlights the theme of displacement and impermanence, as Biju experiences the constant cycle of connecting with others only to have them disappear from his life. This sense of loss and emptiness leads him to guard himself against forming deep connections, revealing a deep sense of isolation and longing for stability. Kiran Desai uses this passage to explore the impact of globalization and migration on personal relationships, as well as the struggle to maintain a sense of belonging in a rapidly changing world.
Modern Relevance
In a world where people are constantly moving and relocating for various reasons such as work, education, or migration, the theme of transience and loss of relationships depicted in Kiran Desai's "The Inheritance of Loss" remains highly relevant. The feeling of emptiness and the struggle to maintain deep connections with others in a fast-paced, ever-changing society is something many can relate to. As technology continues to shape the way we communicate and interact with others, the challenge of holding onto meaningful relationships in a world of constant movement and change is an ongoing struggle for many individuals.
Example of Usage
In Kiran Desai's novel "The Inheritance of Loss," the character Biju reflects on the transient nature of relationships in his life. He realizes that those he forms deep connections with often disappear overnight, leaving him with a sense of emptiness. This passage highlights the theme of impermanence and loss that runs throughout the book.
Reflection Questions:
After reading this passage from "The Inheritance of Loss" by Kiran Desai, take a moment to reflect on the themes of impermanence and loss in relationships. Consider the following questions:
- How does the constant movement and transience of the shadow class impact Biju's ability to form meaningful connections with others?
- In what ways does Biju's experience of loss and emptiness shape his approach to friendships and relationships?
- Have you ever experienced a similar sense of loss or impermanence in your own relationships? How did it affect you?
- How can we navigate the challenges of impermanence in relationships and find a balance between forming deep connections and protecting ourselves from the pain of loss?
Similar quotes
“You lived intensely with others, only to have them disappear overnight, since the shadow class was condemned to movement. The men left for other jobs, towns, got deported, returned home, changed names. Sometimes someone came popping around a corner again, or on the subway then they vanished again. Addresses, phone numbers did not hold. The emptiness Biju felt returned to him over and over, until eventually he made sure not to let friendships sink deep anymore.”
“Now here was Saeed Saeed, and Biju's admiration for the man confounded him. Fate worked this way. Biju was overcome by the desire to be his friend, because Saeed Saeed wasn't drowning, he was bobbing in the tides.”
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“Jemu watched his father disappear. He didn't throw the coconut and he didn't cry. Never again would he know love for another human being that wasn't adulterated by another, contradictory emotion.”
“Year by year, his life wasn't amounting to anything at all...And yet, another part of him had expanded: his self-consciousness, his self-pity -- oh, the tediousness of it...Shouldn't he return to a life where he might slice his own importance, to where he might relinquish this overrated control over his own destiny and perhaps be subtracted from its determination altogether? He might even experience that greatest luxury of not noticing himself at all.”
“This way of leaving your family for work had condemned them over several generations to have their hearts always in other places, their minds thinking about people elsewhere; they could never be in a single existence at one time. How wonderful it was going to be to have things otherwise.”