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Clothes

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Clothes
By: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

In some cultures arranged marriages are very normal. Family members play a big part in bringing the couple together. Conversely, not every bride or groom is pleased with the decision. Even though it can be tough, it’s tradition that stays in certain families. In the short story ‘’Clothes’’ we see an Indian girl going off to America, to marry a man she has never met. Will she ever be happy?

‘’Clothes’’ is about Sumita, who is an Indian girl. She is about to get married to a complete stranger her father set her up with. ‘’Besides, wasn’t it every woman’s destiny, as Mother was always telling me, to leave the known for the unknown? She had done it, and her mother before her’’ (p. 1, 24-26). She is scared to leave her old life and family behind, but then she reminds herself that it’s tradition. Will her life eventually turn into a great adventure or a life long tragedy?

The narrator in this story is, as said before, an Indian girl named Sumita. We see Sumita going through a big transformation. She goes from being a shy daughter, to a happy married woman, to being miserable and alone. In the beginning Sumita is very scared and doesn’t know what to do. She decides to be positive instead. Sumita and her husband, Somesh are starting to really like each other. She turns into a happy married woman living in America. Somesh really cares about Sumita and makes her feel special. ‘’I model each one for him, walking back and forth, clasping my hands behind my head, lips pouted, left hip thrust out just like the models on TV, while he whispers applause’’ (p. 1-2, 50-52). He buys her new clothes and she tries it on. She models for him and it makes her feel beautiful. Somesh is also trying to convince Sumita to get a degree. He wants her to be a teacher. ‘‘‘Do you really think I can?’’ I ask. ‘’Of course,’’ he replies’’’ (p. 2,

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