is velu a smart boy? which instances in the text show that he is or isn`t ?

Velu was unreasonably tortured by his father. His father used to not only make him work but also use up all the money he made on alcohol. Thus, though running away is not considered to be a wise thing, in Velu's case it was the only option to escape the misery inflicted on him daily and unprovoked. Velu was a smart boy. He understood that it was of no use to put up with his father and realised that he needed to turn things around. At the Chennai railway station he met a girl who was a ragpicker. Though he was distrustful of her initially, he realised that presently he had just nothing to lose and that his hunger was required  to be dealt with, thus he followed the girl. Though Velu did not like the idea of eating out of the garbage bin, he knew that his present situation did not allow him the privilege of choice and therefore, he must sustain himself  with whatever was at hand. Thus, though he scringed a little at the thought of eating the squashy banana, he ultimately gulped it down. Further, he knew that in this strange city he did not know anybody except the girl and so needed her company. Also, now he knew that the girl was indeed trustworthy and very resourceful therefore, she could cause no harm to him and could only be of use if anything. He took up the task the girl offered to him quite unwillingly but he knew that it was the only thing he could do in his given situation. He tries to understand the system of the rag-picking business and decides to help the girl in the task and thus, make some money. He had not run away to do such jobs but he was smart enough to know that he could, in some time, find a better means to earn. Presently, he did not know much about the city and the way things went about it and therefore, needed time to learn all this. He knew that at present rag picking was the solution for him but he also knew that he won't remain in it forever, rather he would soon figure out a better job for himself.

  • 0
What are you looking for?