Chapter Overview
The Portrait of a Lady by Khushwant Singh is a heartfelt account of the author's relationship with his grandmother, describing her as a deeply religious and loving woman. The story spans from his childhood in the village to his adulthood in the city, where their bond changes over time.
The story beautifully captures the contrast between tradition and modernity, highlighting themes of love, separation, and nostalgia. The grandmother’s silent mourning by the sparrows after her death adds an emotional depth to the story.
Important Keywords
- Grandmother: Religious, traditional, loving.
- Village Life: Strong bond between narrator and grandmother.
- City Life: Emotional distance grows.
- Spirituality: Grandmother devoted to prayers.
- Modern Education: Grandmother disapproves of English studies.
- Feeding Sparrows: A daily routine and symbolic gesture.
- Sparrows Mourning: Their silent grief at her passing.
- Final Days: Grandmother chants prayers, predicting her death.
- Themes: Love, separation, tradition vs. modernity.