Discussion Questions
- In the first scene, Mrs. Asrani’s dilemma is whether and how much tea to leave for Vishnu. “Besides, who knew what sort of repercussions would rain down upon her if she failed to fulfill this daily ritual?” (page 14) This is one of many moments when superstition, belief, or lack thereof, factor into a character’s action. Are there any superstitions that you are inclined to act upon?
- What could have been a friendship between the two Hindi families, according to Mr. Pathak, was ruined by the sharing of one kitchen. (page 35) What are the hardships of this arrangement? What else contributes to the friction between the Pathaks and Asranis?
- At some point in the novel, nearly every adult character tells a part of his or her own story. Are they trustworthy narrators? Why or why not?
- Much of the self-reflection and story-telling that occurs within the present action of the story has to do with marriage. What indications are there that any of the relationships are successful? Why? What does a successful relationship mean to you?
- The heroines, romantic leads and villains of the multitude of movies she has seen inform how Kavita acts in her own life. Does that influence help or harm her?
- How does your level of familiarity with Indian history, Hinduism and Islam influence your reading of The Death of Vishnu?
- Why is Mr. Jalal obsessed with experiencing faith? The power of his yearning is stronger than the intellectual pursuits that drove his prior life, even leading him to inflict acts of violence upon himself. Did his "awakening" represent an authentic spiritual change for him, or was his previous adherence to the doctrine of reason an equally faith-based position?
- What is the significance of Mr. Jalal being the one who perceives Vishnu as a god?
- Who is Padmini to Vishnu? Despite his unfailing devotion to her, he still laughs heartily at the absurdity of his own romantic fantasies when they steal the Jalal's car and drive to Lonavala. ( page 92) Was it just physical attraction that kept him returning to her, or something else?
- At what point do you believe Vishnu to have died?