Structure

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Beginning 

In the exposition “Just below the Surface”, readers are introduced to the main character – Indrani – hinting also at her unbalanced relationship with her husband (p. 128, ll. 1-8). Kumar seems to dominate in their relationship, foreshadowing Indrani initially hiding the rat problem from him. 

The mention of burglaries and the implication of receiving threats in the mail foreshadow Indrani and Kumar’s shop being the target of hate crime and hints that the stor…

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Middle 

In the rising action, a tension point is introduced as Indrani hears noises at night and fears they are caused by mice. Indrani initially thinks about asking a neighbor for advice, but she fears the neighbor will judge them: “She might have screamed and thought we were dirty or something.” (p. 129, ll. 17-18). This foreshadows her suspicions that the other characters she meets throughout the story have prejudiced views on In…