He orders an arch to be constructed as a monument of his glory and victory. He can be easily influenced and convinced. We are introduced that he is ‘just’ and ‘placid’. Whimsical nature can drive him from one extremity to the other. Hence, the Grandmother is an important character even though she remains mostly in the backdrop.The king in Vikram Seth’s ‘The Tale of Melon City’ is a unique personality. Grandmother’s supportive character can also be seen when she accompanies her daughter-in-law to the hospital.She is a mature woman who understands that the upbringing of children is a delicate issue and parents should be allowed to discipline their children in their own way. When Kezia’s father punishes Kezia with a ruler, Grandmother wraps her in a shawl and rocks her in a chair clinging her to her soft body.She does not interfere in any matters of the household and simply provides background support. She advises Kezia to talk nicely to her parents when they are relatively relaxed on Sunday afternoons.She does not question the authoritarian attitude of her son but keeps prodding her young granddaughter to make efforts to build her bond with her parents. Her character comes up as a mature and understanding elder in a household.Kezia’s Grandmother is addressed as ‘Grannie’ by Kezia and as ‘mother’ by Kezia’s father, her son.
CHARACTER SKETCH FULL
This negative aspect of his personality is highlighted even more when he punishes Kezia with a ruler.He is so strict with his daughter that the poor girl stutters in front of him and feels relieved when he leaves for work in the morning. Instead of taking off his shoes himself, he makes Kezia do it for him. As soon as he returns home in the evening, he wants his tea brought to him along with the newspaper. He wants them to be at his beck and call all the time. Initially, he appears as a domineering, head of the family and demands complete obedience from other members.Kezia’s father displays two divergent characteristics in the story.
She transforms into a kind, perceptive, and devoted daughter from a resentful and terrified young woman. She realises her love for him and is inspired by his great heart. Her mistrust of him transforms into gratitude for his labour of love. She feels happy when her father protectively takes her to his bed and comforts her.
She is as much affected by her father’s disciplinarian attitude as by his love. Kezia, the young female protagonist of the story “The Little Girl”, is an emotional and sensitive girl.