Goodbye Rajim

I think what makes the Rajim/ Swami conflict more heartbreaking is the obsession Swami shows for maintaining a friendship with Rajim since the very beginning. Swami is willing to embrace Rajim from his first appearance at the school despite the objections of Mani, his current best friend. He even lets it get as far as a fight. While he does sell out his friendship with Rajim to Mani, his true feelings are expressed through the narration. Once Mani and Rajim become friends Swami's life seems to be consumed with his friends. School, religion, and family seem to come second to his friends and activities with them.

He is constantly trying to live up to Rajim's reputation that he has created for himself. Swami wants to appear as a worthy companion for Rajim and becomes obsessed with retaining their friendship. For example, when Rajim comes to Swami's house for the first time he makes arrangements to deceive Rajim into thinking that Swami is wealthier and more sophisticated than he truly is. For some reason or another, I think that Swami looks up to Rajim and envies his life.

The ending is a failure. It is the failure of the friendship that Swami has been so devoted to maintaining. Without even a word, or a clear wave, Rajim leaves. Swami didn't know before hand. Rajim didn't talk to him. He just boards the train "Carrying away Rajim for ever" (pg 139).

So the heartbreak for me comes from the fact that Swami is obsessed with this friendship which is told about in depth and just like that Rajim leaves and the friendship dies. I think if Swami was not characterized like this- like he didn't really care if they were friends or not- it would not be nearly as sad or effective an ending.

I think the ending is abrupt and somewhat confusing. (like seriously, were did that come from?) But I think it's abruptness is what makes you keep thinking about it way after finishing the book.