The Lowland

“Certain creatures laid eggs that were able to endure the dry season. Others survived by burying themselves in mud, simulating death, waiting for the return of rain.” 

Lahiri is describing the ecosystem of the lowland. It is a harsh location where survival depends on weathering both dry and rainy seasons. This is a metaphor for how the characters in the novel survive through the struggles of their lives. 

“When a fuse blew, Udayan, wearing a pair of rubber slippers, never flinching, would check the resistors and unscrew the fuses, while Subhash, holding the flashlight, stood to one side.” 

Udayan is the adventurous brother who is not afraid to innovate and try new things. Contrarily, Subhash is reserved and hesitant to step outside of his comfort zone. In the presence of his brother, Subhash is emboldened to watch and sometimes participate in Udayan’s charades. Subhash will continue to feel a lack of individualism and belonging.

“You’re the other side of me, Subhash. It’s without you that I’m nothing. Don’t go. It was the only time he’d admitted such a thing. He’d said it with love in his voice. With need. But Subhash heard it as a command, one of so many he’d capitulated to all his life. Another exhortation to do as Udayan did, to follow him.” 

This is the last time that Subhash and Udayan will see each other. They had been growing apart due to Udayan’s frustration with Subhash’s disapproval of the Naxalite movement. In this conversation, Udayan admits that despite their ideological differences, they need each other. However, Subhash wants to find his own way and does not heed his brother’s wishes.