In Nectar In A Sieve, Kamala Markandaya emphasizes the changes that every character must adapt to. While in some cases characters try to avoid change or feel pity towards themselves, only those who accept and adjust to change persevere. By showing the various choices that one makes, and their outcomes, Markandaya expresses her opinion that since change is inevitable, in order to survive one must have hope and be optimistic about the future.
There are several situations in Nectar in a Sieve in which characters must deal with change, after which they learn that it is inevitable and must accept it. At first, Rukmani insists on disregarding the tannery, and is reluctant to acknowledge their influence in her life, "They may live in our midst but I can never accept them," (p. 32). Although she wants her life to return to normal, as it was before the intruders came, this is impossible.…