eleventh question

While the film does not exclusively focus on the realm of childhood, a great deal of time is spent looking at events from the perspective of Durga and Apu. In the beginning, we see a young Durga stealing fruit from a neighbor and giving some to her elderly aunt Indir. She is unaware of the concerns of the adult world, and wanders blissfully through the playground of her childhood, traipsing through the forest and finding pleasure wherever she can. When Apu is born, Durga finds in him a partner in crime, and the two of them enjoy all of the whimsy of childhood together, teasing one another and engaging in exciting adventures in and around their home.

We watch as Indir is treated quite harshly by Sarbajaya throughout the film. She is forced to leave multiple times, and wanders out into the world without protection, in spite of her age and ailments. She needs food and shelter, and she cannot provide for herself, as her body is in poor condition. The only kind treatment she receives is from Durga, who steals fruit for her, and shares a special connection with her. In one impactful shot, we see Indir sitting outside the home looking as if she is a beggar, dirty, hungry and weary from life with no one to bring her in from the harshness of the world. We see the ways that poverty has made the family treat the old woman as more of a burden than a wise member.