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Caste Quote by Bharati Mukherjee

“I flew into a small airport surrounded by cornfields and pastures, ready to carry out the two commands my father had written out for me the night before I left Calcutta: Spend two years studying creative writing at the Iowa Writers' Workshop, then come back home and marry the bridegroom he…” quote by Bharati Mukherjee
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“I flew into a small airport surrounded by cornfields and pastures, ready to carry out the two commands my father had written out for me the night before I left Calcutta: Spend two years studying creative writing at the Iowa Writers' Workshop, then come back home and marry the bridegroom he selected for me from our caste and class.”

Bharati Mukherjee

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Middleman by Bharati Mukherjee, 1988

A narrator confronts familial expectations versus personal ambition, highlighting cultural pressure and self‑determination.

In simple terms: Family expectations clash with personal dreams.

Key Takeaway

Choose your path despite pressure.

Themes

family duty personal ambition cultural identity education marriage

Mood

conflicted reflective

Type

narrative autobiographical

When to use this quote

  • college decision
  • arranged marriage
  • career planning
  • family negotiation

Key Concepts

caste class individualism tradition

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you feel obligated to follow family plans?
  • How can you honor heritage while pursuing your own goals?
A Different Perspective

Societal norms may limit true freedom.

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