A Devoted Son Summary and Exercise | Class 12 English Notes | NEB

A Devoted Son by Anita Desai

Summary for Class 12 NEB Students

Anita Desai, born Anita Mazumdar, is a renowned Indian novelist and short-story writer, celebrated for her portrayal of family life, human emotions, and social responsibilities. Growing up with a German mother and Indian father, she was exposed to multiple languages and cultures, which influenced her storytelling. Desai has published numerous novels, including Cry, The Peacock, Fire on the Mountain, and In Custody, as well as short story collections like Games at Twilight and Diamond Dust. Her stories often explore generational conflicts, societal expectations, and the complexities of personal duty. A Devoted Son, from her collection The Complete Short Stories, is a realistic narrative focusing on familial bonds, duty, and the challenges of balancing personal ambition with parental obligations.

The story centers on Rakesh, a talented and responsible young doctor from a rural Indian village, and his devotion to his family. Rakesh’s father, Mr. Varma, is a hardworking kerosene seller who, despite lacking formal education, has high hopes for his son’s success. When Rakesh achieves top marks in his medical exams and earns a scholarship to study in the United States, the entire neighborhood celebrates his accomplishment. Despite opportunities to work at prestigious hospitals abroad, Rakesh chooses to return to India to serve his parents and contribute to his community. His decision demonstrates his loyalty, gratitude, and patriotism, highlighting the story’s emphasis on filial duty and the moral responsibility of children toward their families.

However, the narrative takes a poignant turn as Rakesh’s parents age. His mother passes away, and his father falls seriously ill, creating tension in their relationship. As Rakesh attempts to care for his father, generational differences and differing expectations strain their bond. Mr. Varma, accustomed to traditional comforts and independence, resists the disciplined care imposed by his son, resulting in emotional conflict. Despite these challenges, Rakesh continues to fulfill his dual role as a dutiful son and a skilled doctor, demonstrating steadfast responsibility and moral integrity. Through this story, Desai emphasizes themes of loyalty, family obligation, generational conflict, and the sacrifices inherent in maintaining familial and societal duties, while portraying a realistic picture of middle-class Indian life.

Main Characters

• Rakesh: The main character, a devoted son and responsible doctor.

• Veena: Rakesh’s wife, an uneducated village girl.

• Mr. Varma: Rakesh’s father, a kerosene seller, hardworking and proud of his son.

• Mrs. Varma: Rakesh’s mother, a typical housewife.

• Mr. Bhatia: Neighbor and friend of Mr. Varma, shares in family joys and sorrows.

Glossary

• wunderkind (n.): a person who achieves great success at a young age

• sweetmeat (n.): a small piece of sweet food

• encomiums (n.): high praise for someone or something

• desolate (adj.): very lonely or unhappy

• delicacy (n.): a special or rare food item

• frugal (adj.): simple and economical

• gastroenteritis (n.): inflammation of the digestive system

• supplant (v.): to replace something or someone

• hypocritical (adj.): behaving in a way that contradicts what one claims to believe

• Ambassador (n.): a model of car made by Hindustan Motors

• hubbub (n.): a loud, confusing noise

• prophet (n.): a person regarded as an inspired teacher

Before Reading

a. Will you be ready to sacrifice your career, status, and economic opportunities for the good of your parents? Why or why not?

Ans. Of course, whatever I am today is because of my parents, except for my labor and struggle.

b. In your view, what are the qualities of a devoted son/daughter?

Ans. There are many qualities to have in a devoted son or daughter. They should stand by their parents in times of need and make them happy.

Understanding the Text

a. How did the morning papers bring an ambiance of celebration in the Varma family?

Ans. The morning papers brought an ambiance of celebration in the Varma family as their son Rakesh was listed at the top of the medical examination, which was a matter of pride for the family. Moreover, he was the first son in the family to attain such a high level of education.

b. How did the community celebrate Rakesh's success?

Ans. The community people celebrated Rakesh's success by visiting his small yellow house, congratulating his parents, filling the house with sounds of celebration, offering gifts, decorating with garlands, and enjoying a haluwa party.

c. Why was Rakesh's success a special matter of discussion in the neighborhood?

Ans. Rakesh was the first son in his family to receive formal education, and he also topped the medical examination. Therefore, his success became a special matter of discussion in the neighborhood.

d. How does the author make fun of the words “America” and “the USA”?

Ans. The author makes fun of the words “America” and “the USA” by associating them with Varma’s attitude. Varma considered “the USA” more prestigious than “America” and believed that the latter term was used only by his ignorant neighbors.

e. How does the author characterize Rakesh's wife?

Ans. The author characterizes Rakesh's wife as plump and uneducated, old-fashioned, placid, complaisant, lazy, yet very good-natured.

f. Describe how Rakesh rises in his career.

Ans. Rakesh worked in the city hospital and gradually rose to an administrative position, eventually becoming a director before leaving to set up his own clinic. He owned a car and became known as one of the best and richest doctors in the town.

g. How does the author describe Rakesh's family background?

Ans. According to the author, Rakesh came from a poor family. His father worked for a kerosene dealer, his mother spent her life in the kitchen, and his grandparents worked as vegetable sellers.

h. What is the impact of Rakesh's mother's death on his father?

Ans. After his retirement and the death of his wife, the old father deteriorated rapidly. He developed numerous complaints and frequently fell ill with mysterious ailments, such as peevish whims, which even his son found difficult to understand.

i. What did Rakesh do to make his father's old age more comfortable?

Ans. Rakesh brought his father morning tea in his favorite tumbler, sat beside his bed, adjusted his lawn nightshirt, read out the morning news, supervised his diet, helped him down the steps, and took him into the garden for evening air to make his old age more comfortable.

j. Why did the old man try to bribe his grandchildren?

Ans. The old man tried to bribe his grandchildren into buying him sweets like jalebis because he missed his wife, who used to cook indulgent food, and because his son had prohibited oily and fried items.

k. Are Mr. Varma's complaints about his diet reasonable? How?

Ans. From the old father’s perspective, Mr. Varma’s complaints about his diet may seem reasonable to some extent. However, Rakesh, being a devoted son and a doctor, acted rightly by regulating his father's diet for his health and well-being.

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Reference to the Context

a. How did the Varma couple make sacrifices for their son's higher education?

Ans. Rakesh belonged to a poor family where his father worked in a kerosene depot and his mother spent her life in the kitchen. His grandparents were vegetable sellers. Despite financial hardship, his parents sacrificed time, money, and comfort to educate him and send him to medical college, and their sacrifices eventually bore golden and glorious fruit.

b. Would Mr. Varma have enjoyed better health if his wife had not died before him?

Ans. After retirement and the death of his wife, Mr. Varma deteriorated quickly due to grief and loneliness. His declining health led Rakesh to strictly control his diet and routine. This strictness caused tension, but it can be concluded that Mr. Varma might have enjoyed better health if his wife had survived him.

c. What else could Rakesh have done to make his father's final years more comfortable?

Ans. Rakesh played the role of a devoted son and a responsible doctor. However, he could have been more polite and gentle while regulating his father’s diet. His strict tone made his father miserable, and a more compassionate approach might have improved his father's emotional comfort.

d. What does the story say about the relationship between grandfather and grandchildren?

Ans. The story presents a loving and innocent bond between the grandfather and grandchildren. Their relationship is affectionate and playful, though the grandfather cleverly uses them to obtain forbidden sweets.

e. Do you call Rakesh a devoted son? Give reasons.

Ans. Rakesh is undoubtedly a devoted son. He cared deeply for his parents, attended his mother in her last illness, and devoted himself entirely to his father's comfort and health after her death, despite being misunderstood.

Reference Beyond the Text

a. Write an essay on “The Parents' Ambition for Their Children in Nepali Society.”

Ans.
Parents’ ambition for their children plays a significant role in shaping the social and educational landscape of Nepali society. In Nepal, parents generally have strong emotional, cultural, and social expectations regarding their children’s future. These ambitions are often influenced by economic conditions, social status, family background, and traditional values.

In many Nepali families, parents aspire to see their children become doctors, engineers, teachers, government officials, businesspersons, politicians, or social activists. Such professions are associated with prestige, financial security, and social respect. Parents believe that these careers ensure a stable future and improve the family’s reputation in society. This belief is particularly strong in rural and middle-class families, where education is viewed as the primary means of escaping poverty and social insecurity.

In agrarian families, which still form a large portion of Nepali society, parents often want their children to acquire modern education and technical skills so that they can improve agricultural productivity using new tools and technologies. Similarly, business families expect their children to continue or expand the family enterprise with better management and education. Parents who have worked abroad often want their children to follow the same path, believing foreign employment guarantees economic success and social mobility.

However, excessive parental ambition can sometimes have negative consequences. When parents impose their unfulfilled dreams on their children, it may create pressure, anxiety, and frustration. Children may be forced into careers that do not match their interests, talents, or abilities, leading to dissatisfaction and lack of motivation. In some cases, this pressure affects mental health and academic performance.

Therefore, while parental ambition is natural and often well-intentioned, it should be balanced with understanding and flexibility. Parents should guide, support, and motivate their children rather than control their choices. Allowing children to pursue careers based on their passion, aptitude, and capability benefits not only the individual but also society by producing skilled, dedicated, and confident citizens. A healthy balance between parental guidance and children’s independence is essential for personal fulfillment and national development.

b. What can be done to make old age less dependent on medicine?

Ans.
Old age is a natural stage of human life, often accompanied by physical, mental, and emotional changes. While medicines are sometimes necessary, excessive dependence on them can be reduced through a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Several measures can help elderly people maintain better health and reduce their reliance on medication.

First, regular physical activity plays a crucial role in maintaining strength, flexibility, and overall health. Simple exercises such as walking, yoga, stretching, and light physical work help improve blood circulation, strengthen muscles, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Second, maintaining social connections is equally important. Regular interaction with family members, friends, and community groups helps reduce loneliness, stress, and depression, which often worsen health problems in old age. Social engagement contributes positively to mental and emotional well-being.

Third, a balanced and nutritious diet is essential. Elderly people should consume fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, adequate protein, and sufficient water. A healthy diet strengthens immunity, supports digestion, and prevents lifestyle-related diseases.

Fourth, regular medical checkups help in early detection and prevention of diseases. Preventive healthcare reduces complications and avoids unnecessary medication. Elderly individuals should follow medical advice responsibly rather than self-medicating.

Fifth, avoiding harmful habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and unhealthy eating reduces health risks significantly. Adequate sleep and proper rest are also vital for maintaining physical and mental health.

Finally, emotional support and a positive environment contribute greatly to healthy aging. Love, respect, care, and a sense of purpose help elderly people remain active and optimistic, reducing both physical illness and dependence on medicine.

c. Write an essay on “Care of Elderly Citizens.”

Ans.

Elderly citizens form an important and respected section of society. They are the pillars upon whose efforts, sacrifices, and wisdom the present generation stands. Having spent their productive years working for their families and contributing to national development, they deserve dignity, comfort, and care in their later years. Old age is a sensitive stage of life, often accompanied by declining physical strength, emotional vulnerability, and social isolation. Therefore, caring for elderly citizens is not only a social responsibility but also a moral obligation.

With increasing age, people commonly face various health-related problems such as chronic diseases, weak eyesight, hearing difficulties, and limited mobility. Access to proper healthcare is therefore essential. Regular medical checkups, timely treatment, nutritious food, and assistance with daily activities such as walking, bathing, dressing, and eating help maintain their physical well-being. In families where members are busy or live abroad, trained caregivers, home nurses, and community health services play a vital role in supporting elderly individuals.

Along with physical care, emotional and psychological support is equally important. Elderly citizens often suffer from loneliness, especially after retirement, the migration of children, or the loss of a life partner. Lack of attention and neglect can lead to depression and mental stress. Spending quality time with them, listening to their experiences, involving them in family decisions, and respecting their opinions help maintain their self-worth and emotional stability. Recreational activities such as morning walks, reading newspapers, gardening, meditation, and participation in social gatherings enhance their mental health and happiness.

Families have the primary responsibility to care for elderly members, but society and the government also play crucial roles. The establishment of old-age homes, day-care centers, pension schemes, healthcare subsidies, and social security allowances is essential, particularly for elderly people who are poor or without family support. Public awareness programs can promote respect for senior citizens and encourage intergenerational harmony.

In conclusion, caring for elderly citizens is an expression of gratitude, humanity, and ethical values. They nurtured, guided, and sacrificed for the younger generation; therefore, ensuring their comfort, security, and happiness in old age is a collective responsibility. A society that respects and cares for its elderly reflects moral strength, social harmony, and cultural maturity.