The ashtray in question belonged to Ruma's father while he smoked. He had kept the habit up for a number of years despite Ruma's fears and protests. Eventually, he did stop smoking, and in doing so, got rid of all his ashtrays. Ruma, however, kept the Golden Slipper ashtray for herself, using it as a toy.
The ashtray is significant because it acts as a symbol for her father himself. Ruma's relationship with her father wasn't particularly close, and she often felt as if she could never achieve enough to suit him, and before he takes care of Akash she fears he might be a burden. Both of these facts are evidence that her father's existence was, among other things, distressing to her (like the his habit of smoking was distressing to her as a child). However, when he arrives and is revealed to be a kind, helpful, comforting presence (alternatively, when he stops smoking and is perceived as young Ruma as no longer threatened by his habit), she takes to him and wants him around, to love with them (she starts playing with the golden ashtray and considers it a prized possession).
No comments:
Post a Comment