Characters

Shamnath

Shamnath is a main character in the short story “The Boss Came to Dinner” by Bhisham Sahni. He is an Indian man working for an American company. He lives together with his wife and mother.

Shamnath is a controlling man: “He was a stickler for discipline in the house; he had the final say in everything.” He controls everything, even minor things, such as the corners of the bedsteads and aspects which relate to other people, such as what his wife and mother wear and how they behave. He directs his mother even where and how to sit and orders her not to go to sleep while the guests are there. This suggests that he is a tyrannical individual who expects everyone in the family to obey him.

On more than one occasion, he speaks for his mother, ignoring her protests, and making promises in her name: “ ‘Of course mother will make one for you’, Shamnath said, interrupting her.” This suggests that, aside from being rude and controlling, Shamnath is also an opportunist. He selfishly pursues his goals and disregards the needs and wishes of others. Another such example is when he refuses to send his mother away when she asks him to and resorts to emotional blackmail to persuade her: “ ‘Look, you can’t let me down like this, mother. Do you want to spoil the whole thing?’ ” He sees other people as tools and uses them for his benefit. 

Shamnath is also deeply concerne...