Part 5 Section 18 Summary

The date is April 30th. Ritu continues shrieking, but none are bothered, especially not Chid. When Ritu's shrieks turn to bloodcurdling screams, Chid explains that her body is being treated: she is being rid of evil spirits by having a red-hot iron placed on her arms and feet. The narrator resolves to discuss "psychiatric treatment" with Inder Lal the next day. He explains that although he doesn't believe in evil spirits, his mother had recommended Ritu's body be rid of them (besides, nothing else they had thought to try had given Ritu any relief).

Part 5 Section 18 Analysis

At one level, Chid shows religious tolerance by objectively describing Ritu's treatment (at another level, he is completely indifferent to Ritu's suffering). At one level, Inder Lal does not believe in evil spirits (at another level, he is preoccupied with his own interoffice intrigues...