Clothing & Symbolism
What does Sumita’s red and gold sari symbolize at the start?
Happiness and hope for marriage.
Where does Sumita move after marriage?
America.
Why does Sumita wear a sari at first?
It is part of Indian tradition.
What is feminism about?
Equality and women having choices.
"I wear a red sari embroidered with gold." What does this show about Sumita’s feelings?
She is excited and hopeful about her future.
What does Western clothing (like the blouse and skirt) represent for Sumita?
Freedom and a new life in America.
Who encourages Sumita to wear Western clothing?
Her husband.
What does society expect widows in India to wear?
White clothing.
How does Sumita’s journey connect to feminism?
She learns to make her own choices.
"The water is diamond-bright." What does this imagery show?
She sees her new life as full of possibilities.
What does the white sari given to Sumita symbolize?
Widowhood and loss of identity.
What tragic event changes Sumita’s life?
Her husband dies.
How is Sumita expected to behave as a wife?
She should be obedient and supportive.
How does Sumita’s life change when she moves to America?
She realizes women can have more independence.
"My mother-in-law folds a white sari into my hands." What does this symbolize?
She is being told to accept widowhood.
How does Sumita’s clothing show her personal growth?
She moves from following tradition to making her own choices.
What does Sumita’s in-laws expect her to do after her husband’s death?
Return to India and live as a widow.
How does moving to America change Sumita’s expectations?
She sees women having more freedom.
What is the main feminist message in Clothes?
Women should be able to choose their future, not just follow traditions.
How does the story’s ending connect to Sumita’s character growth?
She chooses her own identity instead of letting others decide for her.
What does the final choice of wearing color instead of white represent?
Her decision to take control of her future.
How does Sumita challenge her in-laws’ expectations?
She chooses to stay in America and wear color.
Why does Sumita’s final choice matter?
It shows she will decide her own future.
Why is her decision to wear color important for feminism
It shows she is choosing her own path.
Why is Sumita’s clothing important in this story?
It represents her emotions, struggles, and decisions.