KAMALA MARKANDAYA’S NECTAR IN A SIEVE AN EPITOME OF AFFLICTION’S AND ENDURANCE

Abstract

Literature reflects society and society gave an insight into its culture. It presents those aspects of life which remained unheard. Kamala Markandaya’s Nectar in a Sieve represents good and evil sides of social life artistically, for the two sides make up the complete background. The novel tells the story of Rukmani who faced incredible hardships yet never ceased to dream of a better life for her family. Based on the author’s knowledge of Indian village life, Nectar in a Sieve is a tale of sufferings and survival of a peasant’s family. Rukmani wife of a poor tenant farmer Nathan has been the helpless witness to the destruction of the pristine beauty of her village. With faith and capacity for both love and suffering, Rukmani survived the calamities of nature and industrial development as well as the personal sorrow of losing her sons and husband.