CHAPTER 16

Summary

• The chapter is set in Nungambakkam, Madras in 1934 during Christmas where Claude Arnold and his wife Celeste reside.
• Nungambakkam is depicted as a replica of England with its tree-lined avenues and English style garden homes.
• The lead character, Digby, arrives at Arnold’s home for a Christmas party, despite being hesitant due to their strained relationship.
• A party is in full swing inside the mansion which echoes a typical English styled décor complete with a Christmas tree and women in long gowns.
• Digby meets Celeste, Claude's wife, who appears to be a drastically different personality from Claude being directly engaging compared to his distant demeanour.
• Celeste introduces Digby to a kalighat painting, which is an Indian art form that she admires.
• Digby appreciates Celeste’s appreciation for a simple and yet emotionally profound art away from the showy, expensive art normally appreciated by the affluent English society.
• They engage in detailed conversation about the beauty and culture of Madras and wander to a topic about an ancient city, Mahabalipuram, where Celeste feels that Digby would enjoy given his artistic inclination.
• Celeste reveals her love for Madras and calls it home despite knowing that this opinion is not fashionable granted their British background.
• They spot Claude in the party, visibly drunk, leading Celeste to warn Digby not to make the same mistake she did of choosing a life partner based on image and not substance.