"The Shroud" and Other Short Stories Essay Questions

What does the shroud symbolize?

The shroud is a multi-faceted symbol. On the one hand, it symbolizes tradition. The men perceive an obligation to buy a new shroud to cover the dead body out of respect for the deceased. But the shroud also becomes a symbol of society's hypocrisy, particularly when it comes to religion and class. As Ghisu and Madhav see it, tradition requires them to buy a new shroud that will ultimately burn along with the dead body anyway. They feel it is hypocritical for a society that doesn't care enough to provide poor people with proper clothing when they are alive to require mourners to provide a brand-new shroud for the dead. In this way, the shroud, which is literally a cloth that covers over something, figuratively represents the way that society covers over poverty, class inequality, and the reality that the wealthy do not care to help the poor.

What is the significance of Ghisu's memory of the feast?

For Ghisu, the wedding ceremony he attended so many years ago is important because it was the only time in his whole life that he actually felt full and satisfied. The joy of the feast stands in stark contrast to the men's actual meal of stolen potatoes, which are so hot that they burn their throats. The men long for such a feast again. In this way, the vivid imagery of the feast sets the stage for the story's climactic final scene in the wine-house. By spending Budhiya's funeral money, Ghisu and Madhav manage to make their desire come true: they eat to their stomach's and heart's content, just like Ghisu did so many years ago.

What role does gender play in "The Shroud"?

"The Shroud" explores the theme of gender roles through the character of Budhiya. From the outset of the story, it is clear that Madhav and Ghisu mistreat and take advantage of Budhiya. Traditional gender roles dictate that she is responsible for feeding the men. Yet this only makes them grow lazier and work less. Thus, Budhiya also assumes the traditional male role of the breadwinner, bringing in the household's only income. When Budhiya is giving birth, Madhav and Ghisu seem to perceive her pain with a degree of horror and disgust. In fact, Madhav says he "can't stand to see her writhing and thrashing around." The men's exploitation of the young woman comes to its climax when they spend her funeral money on food and alcohol.