Discuss the various events that cause Maneck to choose suicide by the end of the book. Which of the novel’s themes does his suicide reflect and why? 

The city is characterized as an ominous, predatory entity. Examine passages where the city is described as sapient or given anthropomorphic abilities. Why does the author choose to give the city life-like qualities? 

The city is characterized as an ominous, predatory entity. Examine passages where the city is described as sapient or given anthropomorphic abilities. Why does the author choose to give the city life-like qualities? 

Describe the evolution of the quilt and its symbolic meaning. Are there other objects in the novel described as quilt-like? Why?

Describe the evolution of the quilt and its symbolic meaning. Are there other objects in the novel described as quilt-like? Why?

Does the author have a negative or positive view of the Indian government? Does the fault for the described corruption lie with individuals or with the system as a whole? Give examples to support your claim.

Adaptation to change is a major theme in A Fine Balance. Who adapts best? Who adapts worst? Why do you think this is so?  

Adaptation to change is a major theme in A Fine Balance. Who adapts best? Who adapts worst? Why do you think this is so?