A Suitable Boy

by Vikram Seth

Disheartened though he was, he refused to sit down and accept that these unfair dealings would form the future pattern of his working life. He had been ill-treated and used. It was true that Ghosh had given him his first job—and that too at short notice—and he was grateful for that. But such swift illogic and injustice shredded his sense of loyalty. It was as if he had rescued a child from a fire, and promptly been thrown into the fire himself as a reward.

Even in the worst calamities of others, some part of our mind, often the one that is quickest to respond, tries to brace itself for the vibration that will reach us from the epicentre.

They began to look repentant, and, indeed, they even began to feel repentant as a result of looking it.

The unkindness of people only hurts if we continue to remember it.

He had come to a decision about the next step in his life. This decision was irrevocable unless he changed his mind.

Fifteen-year-old girls, thought Lata, took a serious view of life.

Life is merely froth and bubble. Two things stand like stone: Kindness in another’s trouble, Courage in our own.

It was not true that one could change everything through effort and vehemence and will. The stars maintained their courses despite his madness, and the village world moved on as before, swerving only very slightly to avoid him.

‘If only bad people were prejudiced, that would not have such a strong effect. Most people would not wish to imitate them—and so, such prejudices would not have much effect—except in exceptional times. It is the prejudices of good people that are so dangerous.’