How far do you think Desai makes it possible to sympathise with Harish in Surface Textures? Support your views with details from the writing.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2011). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. Candidates should explore the extent to which Desai makes Harish a sympathetic character in 'Surface Textures'.
2. Focus on his mundane existence and lack of fulfillment, his longing for something more ('longed for another country'), and his sense of entrapment.
3. Sympathy might arise from his gentle nature, his appreciation of beauty (the painting), and his internal struggles.
4. Consider the contrast between his inner world and the uninspiring reality of his life.
5. However, his passivity or inability to act decisively might limit full sympathy.
6. Desai’s portrayal of his inner thoughts and observations, creating a nuanced picture of a yearning individual.