The narrator took his job at the rest house after his wife passed away, hoping to retire from the world. Compare and contrast the narrator’s story with the stories of other characters who seek enlightenment.

What are the different religions and belief systems around the rest house? Why is it important to the story that so many religions and cultures are represented?

Love is a major theme in many of the stories the narrator encounters, but Tariq Mia seems to think that the narrator does not understand love. Discuss any two of the stories to show how love is central to them. Analyze the narrator’s reactions to these stories to show his understanding (or misunderstanding) of love.