In the present story the writer speaks of the possessive instinct of man and its fatal consequences. Thus to satisfy the possessive desires of a mother the child’s life has to be sacrificed. At the same time the writer also points out how in the innocent mind of a child deeper instincts are present which may not be understood or explained by our intelligence and rationality.
Jockey: a person who rides a horse in a race
Riding a winner: riding the horse which is going to win the race
Pursed: from – purse, meaning to draw the lips together in tiny folds or wrinkles (purse up the lips )
Derby: The famous horse race held annually since 1780 at Epsom Downs, near London, England. The name Derby is also applied to other well-known horse races.
- From the book - Ten Short Stories
Edited by Jatin Mohanty