Comparing "Pineapple Cake" and "Games at Twilight"-

Comparing “Pineapple Cake” and “Games at Twilight”- English Literature

After reading both stories by Anita Desai, I found slightly more humour in “Pineapple Cake.” Throughout this story the boy named Victor is subjected to bribery from his dominant mother with “Pineapple Cake.” It appeared that Victor has not got much faith in her promises as she has let him down before, so he as got wise to her promise of “Pineapple Cake.” Some of his fantasies were quite humorous and vivid, like when they are waiting for a taxi and Victor imagines, “Slipping out of her hand and breaking into a toy shop for skates and speeding ahead of the whole caravan to arrive at Green’s before the bride.” I found the character of Mrs Fernandez quite amusing, as she believed that she was so important, until no taxi was available for her. I can imagine these scenes to be quite funny, especially when poor Victor was knocked against the door by the women’s bottom. In comparison, to “Pineapple Cake” the story called, “Games at Twilight,” initially concentrates on describes the hot climate and intense heat, and the children playing games outside. I feel that this story is more sad than humorous, has Ravi originally felt proud and victorious, through hiding in the dark, dusty shed. He realised at the end that he did not matter to them as they had forgotten him.

I feel that the writer creates a sense of place in the story “Games at Twilight,” by describing the hot climate and involving the way certain things looked and felt, like “The bougainvillea hung around it, purple and magenta, in livid balloons,” and the use of metaphor to compare one thing to another to give a more illusive picture of the actual scene, “ His paws and ears and tail all reached out like dying travellers in search of water,” which gives a feeling of exhaustion through the intense heat.

Within this story not much emphasis is given that it is actually set in India, only that it is a warm climate and that eucalyptus trees surround the house where parrots sit. The only reference I am able to find that signifies it could possibly be in India is “Sari,” that mother wore, which is part of a tradition by Indian women.

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This story could be set somewhere else in the world as no specific description of India is given. In “Pineapple Cake,” Bombay is mentioned which is the capital of India, and Goa was also mentioned. Within the text she mentions Bombay harbour, which is the gateway to India. A personal account of how Victor saw and imagined Bombay harbour was also given, which stated, “A ferry boat ride and a fresh coconut drink for treats, he would have enjoyed the Arab dhows with their muddy sails.” This last statement is specific to India where victor reminisced about his father. In “Games at Twilight,” whilst Ravi was in the shed he also remembered the familiar place, and smells when locked in the linen cupboard.

Both stories had an unexpected ending; in “Games at Twilight” this had a very sad, disappointing ending for Ravi, due to the fact that he expected to emerge victoriously

from the shed after his ordeal, to find that he had not been missed.

In “Pineapple Cake,” a certain twist in the story formed which was unexpected. Throughout the story the writer appeared to focus on Mrs Fernandez watching Victor’s behaviour in anticipation that he would show her up. I really expected Victor to do something that would have discredited his mother, but when the old man died it gave a twist to the events.

I feel that the plot in “Games at twilight,” builds up an image of Ravi in his dilemma, by describing how he imagined many creatures were watching him, and how he felt about the other children, especially Raghu as he was much more dominating in character. This gave an insight to his feelings and thoughts, which build up his character. In “Pineapple Cake,” there is a lot of drama towards the end of the story when all the attention focuses from Victor to the old man who has died in the middle of the wedding ceremony. I feel that both these stories have different plots that lead onto the main events.

Both stories give an insight into the minds of the children through their actions and observations. Each story is written about children, which includes their thoughts and feelings around the situation they’re faced with. In “Games at Twilight,” very little is given by direct comment about Ravi, only that he is small. Whilst he is in the shed the writer expressed how he felt by his reactions to the dark, spooky shed. He was

frightened of this situation especially the creatures that may be watching him.

In “Pineapple Cake,” Victor was described as being “Nervous rather than rebellious child,” this was perhaps true because of his bombastic mother who appeared to control him by bribery. Apart from his child like tendencies, I do feel that he was sensible as he demonstrated good behaviour in his mother’s presence even thou he knew he may not get is reward.

Both stories do have a sad ending. In “Games at Twilight,” Ravi wanted to make an impression on the other children, especially Raghu. These were destroyed when he came out of the shed and realised his insignificance amongst the other children. In “Pineapple Cake,” it also ended in a sad event. Victor endured a day in uncomfortable shoes and clothes and in a boring environment. At the end the death of the old man affected him so much that he was no longer interested in his promised pineapple cake.

It appeared that Victor’s father was not present at this event. There is not much reference within the text describing his father, only “Had his father brought him here on a Sunday outing,” he could perhaps be working or not living with Victor and his mother. She dominated and insulted victor, saying “Don’t you go and wet your pants, man,” This may have caused him to be withdrawn and quiet, but I do think that he is smart because throughout the story his mother promised him this cake and he knew she wasn’t very reliable in keeping a promise.

“Games at Twilight” gives little mention of the mother and appears to be centred on the children and their activities, “Which is play.” This is centred on their mischievous and noisy games and gives Ravi personal experiences and disbeliefs in the other children. In “Pineapple Cake,” the story is focused on a child and his mother, who are attending this posh wedding. In the whole story she comes across in a boisterous manner towards Victor. She believes she is important and was looking forward to “Having tea at Green’s, you know.” From her attitude and feelings towards Victor, you are able to form a character of a women who was impatient, “Well, come along, get dressed quickly – yes, yes,” and insensitive through the way she had Victor’s cake after the death and said “ I think we’d better go now.”

Both stories express the frustrations of each child within the story. The writer does this by showing their inability to control each dilemma they’re faced with.

I did enjoy “Pineapple Cake,” rather than “Games at Twilight,” as the plot had more humour to it and there was plenty of action. I could also feel an element of suffering for Victor during his stressful day. The end of the story came as a complete surprise to the reader.