Fasting, Feasting

by

Anita Desai

Ramu is the son of Lily Aunty and Bakul Uncle, brother of Anamika, and cousin to Uma. Rebellious and adventurous, Ramu is the "black sheep" of the family. Spending his youth traveling on the seas and throughout the country, Ramu disappears for long periods of time. Uma loves Ramu, ignoring her parents' disapproval of his attitude and ways. When he visits Uma's family, he behaves irreverently and with entitlement, bringing Uma along to dine at the Carlton Hotel in the city. Sweet and doting with Uma, he flirts and laughs with her, and encourages her to be herself. Yet, his character and allegiance are not consistent, as in his youth, he followed MamaPapa's bidding in bringing Uma back from the ashram against her will.
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Ramu Character Timeline in Fasting, Feasting

The timeline below shows where the character Ramu appears in Fasting, Feasting. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 5
Gender and Social Roles Theme Icon
Family Life and Individual Freedom Theme Icon
Plenty/"Feasting" vs. Want/"Fasting" Theme Icon
Loneliness and Togetherness Theme Icon
In Uma’s middle age, her rebellious cousin Ramu surprises the family with a visit after adventuring at sea. Mama and Papa are unhappy... (full context)
Gender and Social Roles Theme Icon
Family Life and Individual Freedom Theme Icon
After a month at the ashram, two unexpected visitors turn out to be cousin Ramu and Arun, a young boy at the time. Ramu tells Uma that he has come... (full context)
Chapter 9
Family Life and Individual Freedom Theme Icon
Plenty/"Feasting" vs. Want/"Fasting" Theme Icon
Loneliness and Togetherness Theme Icon
...has nobody to call—Anamika is unreachable, Aruna is too busy with her own life, and Ramu is nowhere to be found. She gets the courage to call Mrs. O’Henry, a Christian... (full context)