is there symbolism behind monkey problem?

When the monkeys first entered the plot I thought they would come and go. Never did I think that they would be the main topic for the rest of the book! Did the monkey's symbolize something? Maybe they symbolized the bad that goes on in the world that disrupts the peace that is so sought after by those such as Sampath. I just found it interesting that the "hullabaloo" caused by the monkeys would make up the rest of the book and I think there is a deeper meaning behind that. What do you think?

The monkeys are the main problem in the text. They are a controversial most likely religious problem where many people try to solve this problem and they refuse to agree with any other solution. The monkeys could represent many different things if applied to different sercumstances. Examples of a situation like this would be family fueds, children arguing over a toy. These situations result in a stand still where the problem is not solved and the former bonds between the two parties are severly damaged or completely broken.

I agree with Sarah S. in the fact that the monkey's were a big part of the plot. In fact, I believe that the monkey problem even paralleled Sampath's life directly. Sampath is a minor nuisance to his family growing up. Then, Sampath runs into the guava tree, he disturbs his families peace. And then a chain of events happen because of that one choice. The same is true with the monkeys. When the first monkey is stealing from people it is a nuisance, but then it soon grows into a huge whole chain of events.

thats a good point allyson. i think the monkeys symbolize Sampath and what he once was. However, i think that this monkey issue and how they are alcoholics symbolizes something as well. Is alcoholism a growing issue in india? according to ias.org.uk "over the past twenty years, the number of drinkers has increased from one in 300 to one in 20." In my mind, i think that the author is trying to almost raise awareness about alcoholism through the monkeys. their behavior is showing how alcohol effects people and how it in turn causes turmoil in a society.

good point claire4! i totally agree. i think this is another example of the author using satire to out her messages across.

Sarah S. i love how you compared the monkey problems to symbolize different religious problems. i never thought of it like that but i think that makes a lot of sense. and claire that also makes a lot of sense how the author could use the monkey's behavior as a way to show how alcoholism not only affects yourself but also the people in the community.

Maybe the monkeys could also represent Sampath's childlike behavior, or his immaturity?