The Wash Basin Symbol Analysis

The communal wash basin that Mr. Dalal purchases for the building’s residents to use is a physical representation of wealth and status, and inspires jealousy, competition, and momentum toward materialistic change. The basin causes the other residents to be shaken from their economic class complacency and want to do whatever is necessary—including pawning valuable objects and dismissing Boori Ma from her post in favor of a “real durwan”—to change the public perception of their little community. Even though none of them (save for Mr. Dalal) suddenly have more money, they all become consumed with trying to make their building look like a place where wealthier people would live. The wash basin is not only the catalyst for these actions in the second half of the story, but it also symbolizes possibility for the building’s residents.