Essay Questions

What appeal does 'blind Malaysian guy' employ?

Adiga expounds, “The other day Yahoo! News had this story of an overweight extremely blind Malaysian guy, who plays the guitar, actually can’t play it at all, and the Aussies had an online signature campaign for him, because he’s Muslim, and gave him permanent residency.” The guy appeals to the Aussies’ pathos through his blindness. Moreover, posing as a talented guitar player and a Muslim amplifies the Aussies’ sympathy towards him.

Compare and contrast the rules which cleaners follow in Australia and Sri Lanka.

Danny reflects, "In Australia the unwritten rule is that the cleaner never bends down to touch anything below the level of a coffee table. Owner has to pick everything up from the floor before you begin work…Back home (Sri Lanka), though, the rule is that while the maid will bend and scrub all you want, she will never touch anything above the level of the coffee for fear of being accused of theft." The contrasting rules governing the cleaners' conduct demonstrates that the Australians respect the cleaners more than the Sri Lankans. Australians respect the cleaners whereas the Sri Lankans treat them suspiciously.

Expound the irony of the West.

Danny observes, “The things they tell you about the West before you come here. No part of Australia is like the Galadari International. Sydney is filled with roaches, crickets, and flying bugs, except for any room that Danny had just gone over with his vacuum, sponge, and mop.” Stories concerning the west embellish its reality and appearance giving the listener the impression of a heavenly west. However, Danny realizes that the west is not as meticulous as it is portrayed in stories. Danny, in the course of his cleaning job, realizes that the west is not holy or absolutely clean.