Big Ideas:
Follies of Capitalism and Power
All of the characters in position of power tend to be corrupted or obnoxious in one form or another. Muragan is being willingly manipulated by the Colonel Dipa to open of Pala, believing that the only way for his nation to advance is to embrace the wester civilization the island has for so long rejected. Bahu is only interested in money and general self interest, living in a land where he lives like royalty, while everyone is poor. Rani, while a famous religious figure, fails to realize that her “small voice”, her call of divine intervention might as well by synonymous to her own opinions, thus enforcing ideas to her will.
All of the mentioned leaders do not consider the true situation of Pala, or the wellbeing of the people, rather believing in self-profiteering, “advancement” of the nation as a whole, and completely squandering what the people themselves believe, despite the Raja being supposed to follow the will of the people.
Rejection of Conventional Thought
It is noticeable that the philosophies of Palanese way of life serves to reject the traditional thoughts of the western world. “Living in the moment” (staying in full attention, promiscuity) is emphasized amongst the people, with a general belief of accepting reality, and trying to get the best possible. An example could be seen in the medical practices of Pala, where doctors are paid not only in mending diseases, but in keeping their patients healthy as well through natural means. While the western world focuses on gigantic machines, Pala believes in integrating bio-technology as well.
Eastern Philosophy
Many aspects of Eastern philosophy determine the beliefs in Pala. For instance, instead of believing in the power of gods, Pala’s philosophy emphasizes upon enlightenment through meditation.
Characterization: Will Farnaby
Will Farnaby is a journalist and the catalyst of the fall of Pala. He is cynical, emotionally broken due to the relationships he had prior to the novel. These traits begin to melt away as he absorbs more of the culture in Pala. By the end of the novel, Will Farnaby becomes an honorary member of the Palanese culture, ironically right before this culture is destroyed by his actions, potentially shot by the occupational forces of the colonel.
Other characters
It is to note that most of the characters, while characterized through the exceedingly cynical (and strangely entertaining) views of the protagonist, serves primarily to send a message across about the world of Pala and the world that seems to come closer and closer to the small island.
POV
The POV stays solely with Will Farnaby, the protagonist.
Symbolisms
“Attention”
Hundreds of Mnayh birds in Pala are said to have learnt to say this word constantly all around the island in order to emphasize the idea of living in the moment fully. This is used throughout the book not only to influence the characters, but to the readers as well, pointing the readers significant parts and strong emotions present within the novel.
“Farmer and the Viper”
More of a motif, this becomes apparent with Will Farnaby’s cycle throughout the story. He lands into a remote place wounded, is healed, only to become treacherous and betray the people who have treated him so well. This is in a way subverted, as Will Farnaby happens to join the people of Pala, but the fact that Will Farnaby has acted as an envoy of doom cannot be ignored.
Passages: “Armaments, universal debt, and planned obsolescence - those are the three pillars of Western prosperity. If war, waste, and moneylenders were abolished, you'd collapse. And while you people are overconsuming the rest of the world sinks more and more deeply into chronic disaster.”
p177
“All gods are homemade, and it is we who pull their strings, and so, give them the power to pull ours.”
p247
"By 1930 any clear sighted observer could have seen that, for three quarters of the human race, freedom and happiness were almost out of the question. Today, thirty years later, they’re completely out of the question."
page 66
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