The Henna Artist

What do British classics like Othello and Jane Eyre symbolize in the novel? How do they relate to the characters’ journeys? Why might the author have chosen to reference these particular works?

Explore the cultural climate of India in the 1950s. What role does the West play in shaping the newly independent country? Choose an area of culture, such as film, cooking, youth culture, or fashion, and discuss how Western influence shapes it in the novel.

How does Jay Kumar behave differently than the traditional Indian man as presented by Joshi? What observations does the novel make about male gender norms and the ways that men’s behavior is or is not restricted?

Give examples of the ways that Joshi uses gossip to advance the plot. How does it operate as a literary device?

All three members of the Singh family demonstrate qualities that typify traditional Indian culture. Discuss each one and how their behavior reinforces the status quo. Do any of them have opportunities to go against the status quo? If so, why do they choose to maintain tradition, and what are the consequences of that choice?

How is food used to highlight the novel’s plot and themes? Describe the traditional role of food in Indian society and provide examples of food used in key moments in the text. What does it symbolize, and how does it forward the novel’s action?

How does the novel portray class distinctions in Indian society? How does class relate to the theme of Traditional Values Versus Western Influence?

How does Hari’s attitude towards women change over the course of the story? Why is this so? Use examples from the text in your response.