East vs West :: Comparative, Rukmani and Kenny

In Nectar in a Sieve, Rukmani and Kenny highlight the differences in the two cultures, showing how the two cultures affirm different standards for relationships and how Westerners try to change damage and poverty while Easterners accept it. As Rukmani points out to Kenny, Have I not so much sense to see that you are not bingle of us? You live and work here but this is not your country (Markandaya 106). Kenny and Rukmani are friends, but their different values on subservience in relationships and pathetic cause them to butt heads during most of their conversations. Rukmani and Kennys conversations show how Easterners value respect and reverence, while Westerners put and emphasis on equality. After Kenny helps her conceive, Rukmani bends down to candy kiss Kennys feet, thinking she is showing respect. Kenny doesnt like it He withdrew his feet quickly and told me to get up. I am not your benefactor (Markandaya 32). Similarly, Rukmani is hesitant to ask about(predicate) Kennys fami ly because it is personal Of himself he did not speak I held my tongue, for I felt to ask would be to offend him (Markandaya 33). Both of these events show how the two cultures construe each other. Kenny doesnt like when Rukmani kisses his shoes because he doesnt feel above her, but she is just trying to be nice. And Rukmani doesnt understand what leave behind and wont offend Kenny because her culture doesnt encourage asking personal questions.Their conversations show more deeply how each culture views marital relationships. Rukmani provided sees Kenny for her fertility problems when her husband wont find out she believes he will be angry (Markandaya 21). She also only takes Ira to Kenny when her husband leaves townspeople I (Rukmani) waited all day to see you. My husband will be back soon and the I cannot come (Markandaya 59). Though she subverts it, Rukmani is limited by her look she cannot disobey her husband. Instead, since she doesnt ask his permission, she cant break his rules. Kenny scorns this, saying, You people will never learn. It is pitiful to see your foolishness (Markandaya 59). In Kennys country, women have rights. They can even divorce their husbands, as Kennys wife does. Rukmani fails to understand how this woman can leave her husband and wonders if its Kennys long absences. They debate womens role, Rukmani says, A womans place is with her husband Kenny replies, You simplify everything Your views are so limited it is impossible to explain to you (Markandaya 106).