The Vendor of Sweets Essay Questions

What is the central conflict of the novel?

The main conflict of the book is between Jagan and Mali. Jagan supports Mali financially when he decides to become a writer. Then, later in the story, Mali returns to India after having spent time in America. He asks his father for a startup investment in his story-machine business venture. Jagan puts off giving him a direct answer, but eventually says he cannot invest in the business. This leads to a great deal of friction between the two of them that causes Jagan a great deal of suffering.

How does Mali view his father's business?

Mali views his father's sweetmeats business in a dim light. He believes that that sort of labor is beneath him and that his father is narrow-minded for not pursuing more modern business ideas. When Jagan cannot give Mali the money for his business, he offers to let him run the shop instead. Mali scoffs at this idea and roundly rejected him. What becomes apparent is that while he is happy to accept the money his father earns from this business, he has no interest in actually participating in it.

Why does Jagan decide not to help Mali at the novel's conclusion?

At the end of the novel, Jagan tells his cousin he has no interest in helping Mali and that his arrest and jailing may actually benefit him. What Jagan appears to realize at this moment is that giving Mali unflagging support has done more harm than good, making him selfish and unkind. He steps away from the situation because he knows the best thing he can do is force Mali to fend for himself for once. He is at peace with his decision, as he also plans to walk away from his business and material wealth more broadly.

What best describes the novel's tone?

The novel's tone is sympathetic and reflective. Narayan spends a great deal of time dwelling on Jagan's thoughts and feelings, giving detailed accounts of his changing perception of different situations. The narrative voice portrays his struggles with compassion but still gently pokes fun at some of his opinions, like when he tells a beggar that he is also a poor man despite being a successful business owner. In this regard, the tone of the book is warm while still remaining sharp.

What is significant about the novel's title?

The novel's title is significant in that Jagan identifies strongly with his job at the novel's beginning. He takes pride in the smooth operation of his shop and enjoys counting and storing his profits. However, after his encounter with the bearded man and his struggles with Mali, he begins to question the value of his business. He lowers prices of his sweetmeats and eventually gives away the business to his cousin. The title is meaningful in that it describes a role that Jagan goes on to give up entirely, as part of his attempt to lead a less materialistic life.