Rahel’s and Estha’s grandfather, Pappachi was an Entomologist for the government. After discovering what he believed to be a rare moth species, he was told that it was only a mutation of an already discovered species. Then someone else claimed that it was in fact was a new species. Not getting credit for his initial find made Pappachi grow very impatient and jealous of those around him, especially Mammachi, whom he beat daily. This is considered “his life's greatest setback,” (23). The moth is another small thing that symbolizes a larger stream of events, like Pappachi’s abusive nature.
The moth takes on different meaning throughout the novel, ranging from the physical version of the moth Pappachi did not receive credit for discovering to a metaphorical form that Rahel often reanimated in her many experiences of fear. Rahel claims that this moth “tormented him and his children and his children's children,” (24).
Furthermore, in moments of fear the moth is almost always depicted as a burden on Rahel’s heart. In times of love and security Rahel ‘feels’ the moth loosen its grip, while when in moment of fear and torment it holds onto her heart. The moth could also be symbolic because of the way these creatures are are nocturnal animals.
They could therefore represent darkness due to their surroundings when active. This connects back to the moth’s action with Rahel’s heart where it is closer when experiencing darker emotions than when experiencing lighter emotions.
The moth takes on different meaning throughout the novel, ranging from the physical version of the moth Pappachi did not receive credit for discovering to a metaphorical form that Rahel often reanimated in her many experiences of fear. Rahel claims that this moth “tormented him and his children and his children's children,” (24).
Furthermore, in moments of fear the moth is almost always depicted as a burden on Rahel’s heart. In times of love and security Rahel ‘feels’ the moth loosen its grip, while when in moment of fear and torment it holds onto her heart. The moth could also be symbolic because of the way these creatures are are nocturnal animals.
They could therefore represent darkness due to their surroundings when active. This connects back to the moth’s action with Rahel’s heart where it is closer when experiencing darker emotions than when experiencing lighter emotions.