Character Sketch of the Grandmother in “The Portrait of a Lady” by Khushwant Singh

Physical Appearance

• Age and Stature: The grandmother in the story is depicted as a very old woman. She is short, fat, and slightly bent. Her face is a web of wrinkles, and she has white, untidy hair.
• Attire and Demeanor: She always dresses in white clothes and carries a serene, almost saintly appearance. Her hands are often busy with a rosary, signifying her devotion to prayer.

Personality Traits

• Affectionate and Caring: The grandmother is shown as deeply affectionate and nurturing. She plays a crucial role in the author’s upbringing, waking him up, preparing his breakfast, and accompanying him to school. Her love and care for him are evident in every aspect of their daily life.
• Religious and Devout: Religion forms a significant part of her life. She spends a lot of time praying and reading scriptures. Even in her last moments, she is seen praying with her rosary.
• Strong and Resilient: Despite her old age and the changes around her, the grandmother remains a pillar of strength. She accepts the shifts in her environment, like moving from the village to the city, with quiet resilience. Her strong beliefs and principles guide her actions.

Roles and Relationships

• Influence on the Author: The grandmother has a profound influence on the author’s life. She instills in him values of dedication, integrity, and spirituality. Her way of life indirectly teaches him the importance of tradition and faith.
• Connection with Animals: She shares a unique bond with animals, feeding stray dogs in the village and sparrows in the city. This kindness reflects her benevolent nature and the mutual affection she shares with the creatures.

Life in the Village vs. the City

• Village Life: In the village, the grandmother is actively involved in the author’s daily routine. She participates in his education, accompanies him to school, and waits for him while praying in the temple.
• City Life: The move to the city marks a turning point in their relationship. The grandmother feels out of place with the modern, English education system. Despite her disappointment, she adapts by immersing herself in prayer and feeding sparrows, maintaining her inner peace and routine.

Key Highlights

• Routine and Discipline: Her life is marked by a strict routine of prayer, caring for her grandson, and performing daily chores. Her disciplined lifestyle underscores her commitment to her values.
• Cultural and Generational Gap: The grandmother represents traditional Indian values, which clash with the modern education and lifestyle in the city. Her disdain for English education and music reflects this generational and cultural divide.
• Loneliness and Acceptance: Despite the growing distance from her grandson, especially after he moves to the university, she accepts her loneliness without complaint. Her strength and acceptance of life’s changes are admirable.

Key Moments

• Morning Rituals: Waking up early, preparing breakfast, and escorting her grandson to school.
• Feeding Animals: Feeding dogs in the village and sparrows in the city, showing her compassionate nature.
• Final Goodbye: When the author leaves for further studies abroad, her silent farewell kiss signifies her deep love and the inevitability of change.

The grandmother in Khushwant Singh’s “The Portrait of a Lady” embodies the timeless values of love, devotion, and resilience, making her a memorable character in the story.