"Studies in the Park" is Anita Desai's short story about the choice of a young Indian man, named Suno, who rejects his family's scholarly objective for his life in favor of a life of exploration and studies of human nature.

As the story begins, Suno bemoans the constant noise in his home, where he is confined to study for his university entrance exam. The sound of the news being read in several different languages comes from his father's room. The noise from the kitchen is a constant clash and clanging of pots and utensils, as his mother prepares meals. Outside on the street, the traffic is a cacophony of bells, whistles and sirens. The delivery of milk is the worst intrusion, because Suno is continually provided milk with sugar in it to provide energy.

The pressure continues to build on Suno, who cannot concentrate in...