How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Title.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"But what?" she says. She pulls the leather strap out from under her skirt and slaps it against her open palm.
I bow my head. (90.Changes.13-14)
The violence that Mumtaz uses to operate her business has taken its toll on Lakshmi. It becomes easier to submit to survive than to struggle and die. But does this mean that Lakshmi's spirit is broken, or is it just her taking the path of least resistance?
Quote #8
"The goondas are men who work for Mumtaz," she says. "If you try to escape, they will hunt you. If they catch you, they will beat you. If you get a disease, they will throw you out in the street. If you try to get back in, they will beat you." (103.UnderstandingAnita.5)
Mumtaz can't rely on herself alone to maintain power over the girls in Happiness House. Remember—even though she's at the top of the pyramid of power, she's still a woman who operates in a male-dominated society. So she hires men who will carry out her violent orders.
Quote #9
"Policemen are supposed to stop people like Mumtaz from selling girls," she says. "But she gives this one money each week and he looks the other way."
I don't understand this city. It is full of so many bad people. Even the people who are supposed to be good. (106.Police.6-7)
Here we get a little insight into what the social structure of power is like outside of Happiness House, and we realize that the brothel couldn't exist without the corruption of institutions which are supposed to protect the very same people they have deserted. And then there's the money—we have to wonder what role money plays in this whole thing.