Clear light of day- Role of Aunt Mira (Corrected Version)

Aunt Mira plays a crucial role in the children's upbringing. Yet, as the children grow older, all but Bim leave her and don't return until her death. Describe the importance of Aunt Mira's presence as the children were growing up. What did she provide for them? What did they, in turn, provide for her? How did this contribute to her downfall?


Aunt Mira who was the cousin of Mrs. Das became the care-taker of Baba when his dysfunctional mental state was discovered since he now became an unbearable burden. Aunt Mira's in presence within the children's lives could be considered important since she not only cared for and developed Baba but also supervised the Das's older children, that is, Raja, Bimla and Tara. Aunt Mira upon her arrival easily assumed the role of "Mother" within the children's lives since their own mother was disconnected with responsibility of being a Mother to her children and eventually became ill. Hence, they were not disturbed upon the passing of their mother and eventually their emotionally absentee Father.

Aunt Mira provided for the children a stable home despite the confusion which was taking place especially in Tara's life. Tara felt left out when her older siblings excluded her, and whenever she was troubled, she clung to Aunt Mira for comfort. In school, Tara was constantly in the shadow of her sister. Also, Aunt Mira gave Baba this game of pebbles as a child, and he played with them so often that they have grown smooth with wear. The game became one of Baba's two fixations in life, and he played the game even into adulthood. The pebble game was a gift from Aunt Mira to Baba when he was a young child. It was with these pebbles that she was able to improve Baba's condition by teaching Baba to grab and throw which is considered a major accomplishment for the
child whose development had been so severely stunted. However, instead of outgrowing the game, Baba continues to play it, even as an adult because he is able to obtain comfort and also is able to communicate with his siblings. Aunt Mira was able to provide a "safe haven" for the children even taking their health in consideration. She was able to convince Mrs.Das to purchase a cow since she revealed the milk man's scheme in diluting the milk with water. Aunt Mira cared for all the children while treating none better than the other as she catered for their individual needs. She cared for Raja during his illness, Tara during her disparity which influenced her into wanting to be a mother rather than a hero or heroine like her brother and sister. She aided Bim into becoming a strong independent woman.

They provided her with love which created stability within her mind since she came from a home which lacked that. The DAS Children were able to provide Aunt Mira with Peace of Mind and Respect. Aunt Mira's position was of grave importance since she was disciplining the children and was able to assume authority since they requested her permission before acting on their feelings which showed they considered her their parent while valuing her thoughts and opinions.

Aunt Mira's interaction with the children could have led to her downfall since when Bim was left in charge of the household after the death of their parents and when Aunt Mira and Raja fell ill, Tara reacted by
running away. Aunt Mira probably felt that she was cursed with death since every aspect associated with her seemed to have died causing her spirit to die. She also seemed to have been an alcoholic before moving in with the Das family and resumed drinking upon the death of the cow and the children's parents. Aunt Mira probably felt she could no longer handle that sort of responsibility alone since she was not financially secure. Tara leave could have also influenced Aunt Mira's downfall because they were very close.

In conclusion, Aunt Mira played a crucial role within the novel Clear Light of Day in the lives of the Das's Children since she provided a stable and loving home which aided in their success in life.