The Vendor of Sweets is a touching and informative narrative that discusses the theme of the generation gap. Accordingly, it is sensible to select these two main characters for discussion, because they complement each other. In particular, Jagan personifies Indian traditions and lifestyle, while Mali is the epitome of the Westernized youth attempting to change the established norms. Moreover, the author comprehensively depicts these two characters, which allows to compare and contrast them. Therefore, the conflict of the story, as well as the generation gap is conveyed through the depiction of the main characters and their relationships as in quality essays https://qualityessay.net.

In the literary work, Jagan experiences the spiritual change, but his personal qualities prevent him from achieving its purpose. Jagan, a former political activist, attempts to prepare himself for old age. Although the character abstains from salt, sugar, and rice according to the Indian diet, his changes are superficial. Jagan adjusts rather his body than soul to a different mode of life. At the beginning of the novel, the man states, “Conquer taste, and you will have conquered the self”. This quote explains Jagan's search for equilibrium. Although the character tries to find spiritual balance, he cannot conquer his dependence on material things. Therefore, one observes a contradiction between his ascetic lifestyle and his admiration for money. Once Jagan finishes reading Hindu scripture, he accurately calculates his profits and hides his money in the box with a strong lock. Furthermore, the character is authoritative in terms of talking to his shop workers, but remains helpless while dealing with his son. The gap between the character's materialism and spirituality is similar to the gap that rises between the father and son. This conflict of generations one can explain by the father’s way of life and the son's putridity and laziness.

Therefore, The Vendor of Sweets is a thought-provoking narrative that reveals a story of difficult relationship between the father and son. The two main characters, Jagan and Mali, are representatives of different generations. The conflict between them intensifies their strained relations. Moreover, each of the characters is interesting in its own way. To illustrate, Jagan is a seeker of a spiritual balance, which he can hardly find because of his greed. While the character highly values Indian traditions, his son admires the Western style of life. In addition, Mali blames his father for the preoccupation with alternative medicine that he believes caused his mother's death. Thus, the conflict and misunderstanding between the two characters is likely to remain unresolved.