Pappachi’s Moth by Arundhati Roy

 

Pappachi’s Moth by Arundhati Roy

Guess the meaning of the following expressions from the context:

ignominy of retirement conical corneas slouch around weaving sullen circles entomologist taxonomic reshuffle lepidopterists pernicious ghost

Ignominy of retirement - The shame or humiliation associated with retiring from work, especially for someone who took pride in their career.

Conical corneas - A medical condition affecting the shape of the cornea (part of the eye), likely causing vision problems.

Slouch around - To move or walk in a lazy, careless manner.

Weaving sullen circles - Moving in circular paths with a gloomy, resentful attitude.

Entomologist - A scientist who studies insects.

Taxonomic reshuffle - A reorganization or reclassification of how species are categorized scientifically.

Lepidopterists - Scientists who specialize in studying butterflies and moths.

Pernicious ghost - A harmful or malicious spirit or haunting presence.

Understanding The Text

1. Comment on the relationship shared by Mammachi and Pappachi.

Ans: The relationship between Mammachi and Pappachi is characterized by abuse, jealousy, and resentment. Pappachi is physically abusive, beating Mammachi regularly with a brass flower vase. He's jealous of her success with pickle-making and resents the attention she receives. After being confronted by their son Chacko, Pappachi stops beating Mammachi but also completely stops speaking to her. He passive-aggressively creates the impression that she neglects him. Overall, their relationship is deeply dysfunctional and unhealthy.

2. How does Mammachi stand out as an independent and resilient woman in the text?

Ans: Mammachi demonstrates independence and resilience in several ways:

·         She starts a successful pickle-making business after Pappachi's retirement.

·         She manages the business efficiently despite having vision problems (conical corneas).

·         She continues her work despite Pappachi's resentment and physical abuse.

·         She perseveres through Pappachi's silent treatment and attempts to make her look neglectful.

·         She learns to play the violin, showing her pursuit of personal interests.

3. Why does John Ipe consider retirement to be a dishonour?

Ans: John Ipe (Pappachi) considers retirement a dishonour because:

·         He struggles to cope with the loss of his professional status and identity.

·         He feels diminished by no longer having a prestigious government position.

·         He's seventeen years older than Mammachi and retirement makes him feel old while she's still in her prime.

·         He resents that his wife is now getting attention for her work while he no longer has a professional role.

4. What was the underlying reason for John Ipe’s disgust with the world?

Ans: The underlying reason for John Ipe's disgust with the world stems from a professional disappointment:

·         He discovered a moth that he thought was a new species.

·         Initially, it was identified as just an unusual variant of a known species, which disappointed him.

·         Years later, after he had retired, it was recognized as a new species and genus.

·         However, it was too late for him to claim credit, and the moth was named after a junior officer he disliked.

·         This professional setback, where he missed out on the recognition he felt he deserved, seems to have embittered him and contributed to his overall negative outlook on life.

Talking About The Text

Discuss in pairs

1. Chacko’s firmness in dealing with the irrational behaviour of his father.

Ans: Chacko's firmness in dealing with the irrational behaviour of his father:

·         Chacko takes decisive action when he sees his father beating his mother.

·         He physically restrains Pappachi and firmly tells him, "I never want this to happen again. Ever."

·         This intervention shows Chacko's courage in standing up to his abusive father.

·         It demonstrates a shift in family dynamics, with the son protecting his mother from his father.

·         Chacko's actions effectively end the physical abuse, though they lead to other forms of mistreatment.

 

2. The contrast between the outward elegance of a person and his private behaviour.

Ans: Pappachi maintains an outwardly elegant appearance, wearing well-pressed three-piece suits and a gold pocket watch even in the heat.

He drives an impressive skyblue Plymouth and is described as "looking outwardly elegant."

In contrast, his private behaviour includes beating his wife, destroying property in anger, and giving his family the silent treatment.

This disparity highlights themes of appearance vs. reality and public vs. private personas.

3. Approval from the outside world and approval within the family.

Ans: Approval from the outside world and approval within the family:

Pappachi seems to crave external validation, as seen in his disappointment over not having the moth named after him.

He resents Mammachi's success and the attention she receives for her pickle-making business.

Within the family, Pappachi is abusive and resentful, suggesting a lack of approval or respect from his wife and children.

The text mentions that Pappachi "did succeed in further corroding Ayemenem's view of working wives," indicating he sought some form of external validation for his treatment of Mammachi.

Discussion could explore the importance of internal family dynamics vs. external perceptions, and how the pursuit of outside approval can affect family relationships

Appreciation

1. How does the author succeed in raising crucial social issues not through open criticism but through subtle suggestion?

Ans: The author, Arundhati Roy, addresses several social issues through subtle storytelling techniques:

Domestic violence is portrayed through Pappachi's beatings of Mammachi, without explicitly condemning it.

Gender inequality is shown in Pappachi's attitude towards Mammachi's business and his attempts to discredit working wives.

The impact of colonialism is subtly referenced through Pappachi's career transition from "Imperial Entomologist" to "Joint Director, Entomology" after Independence.

Generational shifts are implied through Chacko's intervention in his parents' abusive relationship.

The pressure of societal appearances is suggested by Pappachi's insistence on maintaining an elegant public image.

By presenting these issues as part of the characters' lived experiences rather than direct commentary, Roy allows readers to draw their own conclusions and engages them more deeply with the social critique.

2. Within a few pages the author has packed the important events in the lives of John Ipe and his wife. Discuss how conciseness and economy of expression can achieve effective portrayal of entire lives.

Ans: Within a few pages the author has packed the important events in the lives of John Ipe and his wife. Discuss how conciseness and economy of expression can achieve effective portrayal of entire lives.

Roy's concise storytelling effectively portrays entire lives through:

Focused vignettes that highlight pivotal moments (e.g., Pappachi's moth discovery, Chacko's intervention)

Precise, evocative details that speak volumes (e.g., Pappachi's suits, the broken violin)

Efficient exposition that provides context quickly (e.g., explaining Pappachi's career in a few sentences)

Juxtaposition of past and present to show character development (e.g., Pappachi's behaviour before and after retirement)

Use of objects as symbols of larger themes (e.g., the Plymouth as Pappachi's "revenge")

This economy of expression allows Roy to create rich, complex characters and convey the arc of their lives without excessive length, making the narrative more impactful and memorable.

3. Identify instances of ironical comment in the story.

Ans: Several instances of irony can be found in the story:

Pappachi's insistence on wearing woollen suits in the "stifling Ayemenem heat" ironically underscores his rigidity and refusal to adapt.

The description of Pappachi as a "high-ranking ex-government official" contrasts ironically with his petty behaviour towards his wife.

Mammachi's "famous" banana jam and pickle contrasts ironically with Pappachi's failed attempt at fame through his moth discovery.

Pappachi's elegant outward appearance is ironic given his abusive behaviour at home.

The statement that Mammachi cried more because she was "used to him" than because she loved him is a darkly ironic comment on their relationship.

The naming of the moth after a junior officer Pappachi disliked is an ironic twist of fate that haunts him.

The idea that "human beings were creatures of habit" in relation to Mammachi getting used to abuse is a sadly ironic observation.

These instances of irony add depth to the narrative and often serve to highlight the contradictions in the characters' lives and society at large.