Baba's role in "Clear Light of Day".

In Anita Desai's novel each character plays a significant role, no matter how short the periods of appearances are, in making the story a success. One such character which totally embodies this idea is the youngest Das sibling, Baba.
Baba was a very special individual in this novel, in many ways than his birth defect is. For one he is a very contributive supporting character. Also he is a steady character throughout the story although having little or no lines at all. He is also very symbolic of different themes in the novel.
Foremost, the character Baba aids the readers in their quest to understand the novel by unveiling the quality characters that some major characters such as Bimla possessed. Due to Baba's mental condition he actually helps to build reveal characters by just being himself. People like Bimla and Aunt Mira show strong personalities and love by taking there time with him, and putting dreams on the line in order to take care of him. In doing this he helps to make Bimla's character even more appreciated by the readers. On the other hand individuals such as Raja and their mother are seen as neglectful, cold and unloving. These individuals, although family they may be, were not as caring as the afore mentioned family members. This is emphasized in the way that the pay the least attention to Baba.
Also Baba was able to remain a constant character throughout the novel. This is a feat that not many authors can boast about their silent, mentally challenged characters. Baba although at a huge disadvantage actually was still able to play an integral role in the book. And the surprising things were that the things which were picked up about Baba were his very simplistic actions, which had a major alternate interpretation to all of them.
Overall Baba's character was a character which evidently re-emphasized or reinforced some vital main themes. One of those themes was the past remaining the same. Baba was a major symbol and was one which went hand in hand with the 'Old Delhi' symbolism. Baba was a person who had an almost monotonous lifestyle throughout the book. He showed that just like the old house and Old Delhi that home had remained the same over all those years.

Clear Light Of Day pages 1-100

Pages 1-100
In the book Clear Light Of Day the first couple of pages seem to be pages which gives us, the audience insight into how the lives of the Das family was based. Itbegins to set the stage for the four major characters of the book, Bim, Raja, Tara and Baba. The first encountered character is Tara who has moved away from the family home in Old Delhi and has gotten married and currently lives in New Delhi. Tara is back in Old Delhi to pay a visit to her brother and sister, Baba, who is mentally disabled and Bimla, the only two relatives remaining in the Das' old family house. Tara who has been caught up with life in New Delhi is almost surprised to see that nothing has changed back home, everything including the rose-walk where they played as kids is still there. There rose-walk appears to be a major symbol in the book because it is there in the rose-walk that many of the flash-backs are experienced by the characters.
While walking through the rose-walk Bimla and Tara have flashbacks which give the readers an idea of the type of characters in the book. Bimla, the oldest sibling, is an independent, female radical. She is a strong woman who stands up for herself quite contrary to the Indian culture. Raja, the second sibling, used to be very good friends with Bim but later on we learn that he betrays them by charging rent on their home when he leaves. Tara, the third sibling, is quite opposite of her sister, she is a conventional Indian woman,which includes being very subservient to man. Baba, the youngest practically has no future, being mentally disabled. He is subject to care all his life, and is aided by the only sibling who does not marry and leave home, Bimla.
In these pages it shows how the family also ended up the way it is with all the sudden deaths of their family members. Their mother who dies suddenly, who was supportive of Tara who she recognized was the softest, is followed by their father, who has always been arguing with Raja because of his desire to attend a Muslim college, knowing that at the time with an outbreak of war on the verge, it might not be the best thing. Finally their Aunt Mira succumbs to her drinking.
Overall in the first 100 pages the author gives the audience a chance to understand how the scene is set, the characters, the events taking place and the circumstances surrounding the afore mentioned elements.

Willy Loman and King Lear as Tragic characters cont.

King Lear lived in a disillusioned state all the while thinking that he was loved. It is tragic because he was 'looking for love in all the wrong places'. Only in the end when it was too late did he recognise his mistake.
Willy Loman on the other hand was disillusioned by his quest for money and prestige. Willy believed so much in his dream that he constantly lived in a 'fairy tale world'. Just as Lear was stubborn about his beliefs so was Willy. In the end Willy too died but in his case he died without ever seeing the error of his ways.

Father - Son Relationship in Death of a Salesman; Willy Loman and Sons

In the book Death of a Salesman the main character, Willy Loman, is the father of two boys, Biff and Happy. His relationship with the boys is 'colorful' throughout the book and many times offers insight into his life. As is human custom favouritism plays a big part in the relationship between Willy Loman and his two sons. It is an unhidden fact that Willy is quite much more appreciative of Biff than he is of Happy, this is seen in almost every scene in which the three are present. The usual things are Biff being praised and lauded about doing well in a sports arena and Happy being chastised for menial things such as his weight. Due to the treatment one may not be far-off in saying that Biff and Happy's type of relationships with their father were results of his behaviour towards them. For instance, Biff who was his father's favourite embraced and upheld his father's vision of "The American Dream" and hung to every word his father spoke believing them completely. Happy on the other hand, was not so captivated by his father's ideologies, instead prefering to think things through for himself.
According to the development of the book the boys are seem to be respectful of their father, as seen in how they react to his commands much more quickly than their mother's.
In the end the relationships totally breakdown along with their respect for their father, when his infidelity is discovered.

Willy Loman and King Lear as Tragic Characters

In the novel 'Death of a Salesman' and the Shakespearean play 'King Lear', the two main characters are very much alike. The similiarities vary but one which can be agreed upon by all is that Willy Loman and King Lear are two Tragic Characters. The tragic flaws these two exhibit are pretty much the same. These two men, these two fathers were blinded by themselves. King Lear was blinded by want for love whereas Williy Loman was blinded by want for prestige.
In King Lear's case he put all his hopes on the two daughters who did not truly love him, while disinheriting the daughter who truly did love him.