Analysis of Small Remedies

Introduction

Small Remedies, published in 2000, is a deeply reflective and emotionally resonant novel by Shashi Deshpande. It explores themes of grief, memory, the search for solace, and the complex relationship between personal tragedy and public life. The novel centers on Madhu, a woman grappling with the devastating loss of her son, and her journey to find “small remedies”—ways to cope with unbearable pain and rediscover meaning in life. It is a poignant meditation on healing, art, and the enduring human spirit.

Plot Summary

The novel is narrated by Madhu, a middle-aged woman who has suffered an unimaginable tragedy: the death of her only son, Adit, in a bomb blast in Bombay. This event has shattered her life, leaving her consumed by grief and a profound sense of emptiness. She retreats from her former life as a successful journalist and writer, finding solace only in her memories and her attempts to make sense of her loss.

Madhu is invited by a family friend, a renowned classical singer named Leela, to write her biography. This invitation serves as a catalyst for Madhu to leave her self-imposed isolation. As she delves into Leela’s life story, she encounters other characters and their own experiences of loss, resilience, and the pursuit of art. Through Leela’s narrative, Madhu begins to see parallels with her own life and the lives of other women who have faced similar challenges.

The novel moves fluidly between Madhu’s present grief and her past memories, as well as the stories of Leela and other women. It explores how individuals cope with trauma, how art can provide a form of healing, and how seemingly small acts of connection and understanding can offer remedies for profound pain. The ending suggests that while the pain of loss may never fully disappear, there are ways to find meaning and continue living, even in the aftermath of tragedy.

Major Characters

• Madhu: The protagonist and narrator. A former journalist and writer, now consumed by grief after the death of her son. Her journey is one of seeking solace, understanding her loss, and finding a way to live again.

• Adit: Madhu’s deceased son, whose death is the central tragedy that drives the narrative. He represents the profound and enduring pain of maternal loss.

• Leela: A renowned classical singer and family friend. Her life story, marked by both artistic triumph and personal sacrifice, serves as a mirror for Madhu, offering insights into resilience and the healing power of art.

Major Themes

• Grief and Loss: The central theme is the overwhelming experience of grief after the death of a child. The novel meticulously explores the psychological and emotional impact of such a tragedy and the long, arduous process of healing.

• Memory and Healing: Memory plays a crucial role, as Madhu revisits her past to understand her present pain. The novel suggests that confronting and processing memories, even painful ones, is essential for healing.

• The Healing Power of Art: Art, particularly music (through Leela’s singing) and writing (Madhu’s own profession), is presented as a powerful “remedy” for suffering. It offers a means of expression, connection, and finding beauty amidst pain.

• Women’s Resilience and Solidarity: The novel highlights the quiet strength and resilience of women who face personal tragedies. Through the interconnected stories of Madhu, Leela, and others, it suggests a form of female solidarity and shared understanding.

• Personal Tragedy and Public Life: The novel subtly touches upon the impact of public events (like the bomb blast) on individual lives, showing how personal tragedies are often intertwined with larger societal issues.

Literary Style

• First-Person Narrative: The novel is told from Madhu’s perspective, allowing for an intimate and deeply personal exploration of her grief and her journey.
• Non-Linear Structure: The narrative moves fluidly between Madhu’s present and her past memories, as well as the stories of Leela and other women. This mirrors the fragmented nature of memory and the process of understanding.
• Introspective and Meditative Tone: The prose is highly introspective, focusing on Madhu’s internal world and her reflections on life, loss, and healing.
• Understated Emotion: Deshpande conveys profound emotional pain with subtlety and restraint, avoiding melodrama and allowing the reader to connect with the raw honesty of Madhu’s experience.
• Symbolism: The “small remedies” themselves are symbolic of the incremental, often quiet, ways in which individuals find strength and meaning after devastating loss.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Small Remedies was well-received for its sensitive and honest portrayal of grief and its exploration of the healing power of art. It further solidified Shashi Deshpande’s reputation as a master of psychological fiction and a compassionate voice for women’s experiences. The novel remains a poignant and relevant work, offering solace and insight into the universal human experience of loss and the enduring quest for meaning and healing.