Grade XII English (A Devoted Son)
"A Devoted Son" by Anita Desai is a story that explores the complexities of familial duty and generational conflict. Rakesh, a successful and devoted son, fulfills his obligations to his parents, particularly his father, Varma, by providing meticulous care in his old age. However, Rakesh’s well-intentioned efforts, including strict dietary control, lead to tension as Varma feels his autonomy and dignity are being stripped away. The story highlights the emotional struggles that arise when the roles between parent and child reverse, questioning whether devotion and duty alone can sustain familial harmony when they come at the cost of individual desires and respect.
About the Note
In Anita Desai’s “A Devoted Son,” key themes include the tension between filial duty and personal autonomy, and the generational conflict between traditional values and modern expectations. The story examines how Rakesh, despite his success and devotion as a son, imposes strict controls on his aging father, Varma, believing it to be for his health. This well-meaning control, however, leads to a profound sense of frustration and loss of dignity for Varma. Desai highlights the emotional complexities of caregiving, the struggle to balance respect for the elderly with the practicalities of modern life, and the often-unspoken emotional costs of familial responsibilities.
