Books

Books are read by Arjie throughout the novel. Arjie loves to read. His favorite book ends up being “Little Women”. In traditional Sri Lanka, beyond studies or necessity, reading is considered a woman’s pastime. Arjie’s love of reading unnerves his father, and is one of the “tendencies” that Arjie has that his father wishes to get rid of.

Sari

A sari is a traditional Sri Lankan robe-like style of clothing for women. Arjie is enamored with saris, and enjoys wearing them himself – especially when playing the bride with his cousins. Arjie’s family discovers his enjoyment of dressing up as a girl, which they all laugh at and mock. Arjie is ultimately labeled “funny” – a veiled way of saying homosexual. This angers Arjie’s father, who forbids Arjie to ever wear such clothing again.

Makeup

Makeup is worn by the women of Arjie’s...