Kamala Markandaya's novel Nectar in a Sieve sets in India and follows the life of Rukmani and Nathan as they face both good and bad times together. who are forced to learn a lot about hardships over the course of their marriage. Rukmani especially is tested and tried again and again with situations. As Rukmani came from a well to do house she was not used to having to do all the work and living in a one room house. She quickly learned the many skills it takes to be a farmer’s wife though. Although Nathan grew up with that life he is still tested with temptations and honesty and perseverance. Together Rukmani and Nathan learn to accept strife, value commitment, endure strife and grow through the negative situations.
A. Rukmani was raised to accept things as they are. She believes everything happens for a reason and there is nothing you can do but wait it out; good or bad. Often Kenny is mad at her for just accepting things. He says that is all her people do, they do not reach out for help. Rukmani does not change her ways. She continues to take things as they happen. She copes with the hard times by just accepting them. During the drought she used her practical skills to live frugally. She stretches the rice to last as long as possible and works hard to keep her children fed. She never complains. Rukmani is strong and…show more content… Nathan tends to endure things in a quiet, reserved way, unlike Rukmani. Nathan pours out his pain and troubles into the land. He works off his feelings. When things get bad he works, and when things are good he works. When negative situations arise, Nathan tends to think over them with a cool head and rationalize. He figures out a plan to work it out and then he follows through with it; even if it means his death. He also wants to protect Rukmani from bad situations so he works harder to provide for her and her future. He is calm when he knows Rukmani is okay. Nathan is a good strong man, who rationalizes the best way to fix the problem at
