Smoking?

Something that I found interesting in “The Blessed House” is the repetitive references to cigarettes and smoking in the first half of the story. This is obviously a part of Sanjeev’s and Twinkle’s lifestyle, but it seemed the author purposely used the action of smoking to perhaps enhance certain situations. The direct act of smoking is only portrayed by Twinkle, especially in situations of relaxation and happiness. For example she, smokes in the tub, and while she was ecstatically describes the Jesus poster. Contrary to the that, Sanjeev seems to always pick up Twinkle’s ashes and cigarette buds. So what does all this mean? Why is she portrayed smoking and not him?


There could be many interpretations of these findings. I think, perhaps the act of smoking enhances some of the meaning in the story. Sanjeev disposes of her waste, placing him in a position of subservience, and inferiority in relation to her. Twinkle’s act of smoking reveals the carefree attitude of her position. Sanjeev is never shown to participate in a similar activity, because he is displayed concentrating his attention on her, and not himself. He does not have the luxury of living this untroubled lifestyle. Thus, the luxury of smoking is used as an example to show the differences between the husband and wife. The author may have included this aspect in order to reveal Sanjeev’s confusion with his relationship and surrounding world. He cannot simply have a smoke, but struggles to realize why he cannot enjoy the simple pleasures of life, like his wife.