How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"It is not proper," she said. "Only those women who are not widowed and have borne a male child are privileged to help." (5.31)
Getting Chandra ready for her wedding day is a big deal and steeped in tradition. In fact, Koly isn't even allowed to be a part of it because she's a widow without children. She's bummed, especially because Chandra is her friend and she wants to be included.
Quote #5
The ceremony was soon over, and the feasting began. A tali was brought out piled with boiled ducks' eggs, crisply fried pooris, dal, rice, curries, chapatis, mango chutney, and many kinds of sweets. The food was served first to the men and then to the women guests, and last I ate with the women who had been hired to help with the cooking and serving. (5.36)
Chandra's wedding could not be more different from Koly's since everyone is excited to be there. One thing that's the same at both, though, is how traditional the feast is. At each wedding the men and women are separated and eat at different times.
Quote #6
We had to drop the small stones, one by one. It is known that a spirit is poor at counting but loves to count anyhow. Sassur's spirit would occupy itself with counting the pebbles and would not follow us home. (7.4)
Mr. Mehta's funeral harps on some customs that Koly doesn't understand. She bets returning home is the last thing Mr. Mehta would want to do since he was so depressed there. Still, though, she carries out the traditions, because, well, that's what she's supposed to do.