Glorified "bathtub"

America has been described as the "land where the streets are paved in gold." Let's discuss Yasodhara's calling the swimming pool a "glorified bathtub that cannot satisfy our desire for water."

Maybe Yasodhara missed the ocean. Possibly the pool symbolized separation from nature to her. I personally don't see anything wrong with pools, especially if you live far from kind of natural water, as I do.

I thought it was a rather insipid comment. I didn't feel there was any great meaning to the statement.

I don't share your view that it was an insipid comment. Far from it. Think of the oceans is limitless and without boundaries -- with all kinds of possibilities. This family comes to America, having left Sri Lanka in shock and still in major shock but more so now. Further, ocean water is "natural" whereas pool water is chlorinated. Water is a life force and the pool, no matter how glorious, is not providing that life force here to which this family is accustomed.

Maybe it's describing what it feels like to come from a lush, natural, intensely colorful environment where life is lived fully, almost wildly (like the ocean) - then get pulled out and dumped in a more sterile, controlled environment where life is only two dimensional. The world seems smaller and the water sharper, less silky and it's hard on the skin (heart).

I, too, disagree that the comment was insipid. I grew up with a pool in our backyard and loved it even though we also lived near wonderful beaches. I enjoyed both types of water, swimming and surfing. However, calling a pool a glorified bathtub illustrates that Yasodhara realizes that a pool is not the key to happiness. I believe that the comment represents this character's nagging feeling that material possessions alone do not equate to happiness. I enjoy shopping and I like pretty things, but having good health, peaceful surroundings, and the love of family and friends is more important.