The Inheritance of Loss Essay

On page 280, of the book, (Desai, 2006) “Inheritance of Loss” by author Kiran Desai, we learn that the house looks nothing like what Gyan’s future is supposed to resemble, including the manner of his dress, the way he spoke and the way he acted did not represent what he was to become in his future. His family had sacrificed everything in their lives to make certain that Gyan was successful in his life. They wanted him to look the part of a winner as one that was groomed for success.

Gyan’s family had gambled everything on him and he did need to look the part. Everyone in Gyan’s family had to sacrifice what they needed for Gyan, who they relied on to make money and then to care for the things that they had put on hold for a later date, which included the marriages of family members and his grandmother‘s teeth, according to the time in which Gyan could offer them the things they needed.

They would remain patient until that great day and at that time their sacrifices would pay off to each of them and they could by proud of Gyan.

Sai wasn’t at all sure what she should do, now. She did feel shame toward Gyan because he had never told her about the enterprise, as he stood silent and hoped that she would see this as dignity, on his behalf. She had begun to feel bad about herself, now as she gained this knowledge about Gyan because now, she was directly connected to this enterprise. She felt awful, now that she knew about this secret. The dilemmas and stresses were now out in the open.