Essay Questions

Why does Pampa Kampana abstain from the consumption of meat?

Pampa Kampana witnesses the burning of women's bodies in a fire. She has memories of the pungent smell of the women's roasted bodies. The odor is unforgettable. Consequently, “Pampa Kampana never ate meat again, and could not bring herself to remain in any kitchen in which it was being prepared. All such dishes exuded the memory of her mother." The trauma of watching a dead body's burns awakens when Pampa sees meat. She would not consume the meat peacefully because the images of the dead, badly burnt bodies she once saw cloud her mind. Furthermore, she does not like seeing dead animals either because they awaken the sad memories of her mother and other women, who, after burning, looked like meat.

How does Pampa Kampana’s father promote gender equality?

He empowers Pampa Kampana's mother by teaching her the art of pottery. As a result of her empowerment, she becomes an exemplary potter. Rushdie writes, "He encouraged his wife to learn the potter's art as well, so after he died, she took over his trade and proved to be more than his equal." Pampa’s mother continues with the trade after her husband’s death. Pampa is introduced to the trade while young, and she learns to handle the potter’s wheel. Pampa's mother's success in pottery surmises that women can excel in trades deemed to be men's as long as they are taught and allowed to practice them.

Critically analyze Hukka's statement, "We must become gods now."

After creating a city with magnificent buildings and temples and all forms of life, Hukka expresses the desire for him and his brother to be gods. He wants them to rise to the status of gods so that the people they have created can worship them. For Hukka, performing the miracle is not enough; he needs to be a god to feel more powerful. Hukka epitomizes the inherent self-indulgence in humanity. The greed is comparable to that of the greedy Biblical Lucifer, who wanted to dethrone God.