Poetry

Throughout the book, and particularly as experienced by protagonist Deven, poetry represents an ideal life. There is purity and truth in that life, co-existing with beauty, possibility, and joy. There is also a sense that for Deven, poetry is something apart from reality, from the difficulties and squalor of everyday life. This is why, when he finds out how his poetic idol Nur actually lives, he is so disillusioned and so deeply wounded.

Cigarettes

At different times in the narrative, cigarettes represent peace and calmness; at other times, they represent frustration and worry. Sometimes Deven finds safety in the distraction that smoking cigarettes provides for him; at other times when he smokes, he cannot help but be concerned about the money they cost. Cigarettes become, for him, something of a crutch that he simultaneously needs and despises.

The Dust in Mirpore

At several points in the...