Summary

In Chapter 14, “Work is Struggle," Chacko waits to see Pillai, wearing his suit. The title of the chapter refers to a plaque on a wall in Pillai’s home, a communist slogan. Pillai behaves like a politician to Chacko. He orchestrates the situation so that he can look important. Pillai’s young relatives are paraded before Chacko, expected to expose their talent and education, but the result is awkward parroting.

During their meeting, Chacko gradually loses his confidence, feeling intimidated by Pillai’s political legitimacy. They do some factory graphic design business, but then Chacko asks him about the march, which is really why he’s come. Pillai is non-committal about its success. Chacko tells him he’s seen Velutha there. Pillai is caught off guard, because of his own unspoken concerns about Velutha. Pillai tells Chacko that Velutha is a good party...