Thirst

Over the course of Thirst, protagonist Minni learns that it is necessary to stand up to injustice in her community to protect the health and future of herself and her loved ones. The first obstacle to that lesson comes from her own family. In the earliest stages of the story, Minni clings to a piece of advice from her father: “Our father […] believes in the proverb illustrated by the three monkeys—one with his hands over his eyes, the second with them over his ears, and the third covering his mouth—symbolizing ‘See no evil, hear no evil, and say no evil’” (7). This proverb, which has widely debated origins and meanings, was popularized in the 17th century in Japan with the advent of the Three Wise Monkeys, who embody the saying. Minni understands the saying in its most literal sense, believing that she should not physically encounter evil. This, of course, proves to be an impossible goal, and she subsequently struggles to make sense of the proverb. After witnessing the mafia boss stealing water and chasing after Sanjay, Minni is confused: “I’m taken back to Baba’s lesson to not see, hear, or speak evil,” she reflects. “We didn’t choose to see evil, though. We stumbled upon it” (126). To Minni, the proverb seems impractical and pointless, especially as she matures and becomes exposed to more real-world tragedies. Indeed, by the end of the book, she dismisses the saying altogether, deciding that it is more important to see good alongside evil.

Her literal interpretation, however, might be better labeled a misinterpretation. Though the Three Wise Monkeys enact the proverb by literally covering their eyes, ears, and mouths, real people are not necessarily meant to have the same reaction. Instead, the proverb has been interpreted by many as a warning not to be a bystander and as a reminder not to dwell on negative thoughts. Even though she fails to literally follow the maxim, Minni inadvertently follows its intended teachings when she finally confronts the source of her neighborhood’s water problems. She refuses to stand by knowing that Pinky’s father is stealing water from her community, and she finds a way to hope despite the challenging circumstances thrown her way.

With help from members of her community, Minni finds the courage to speak out about the evil she has witnessed. She is initially terrified when she discovers that Pinky’s father is the water mafia boss, and she is unsure what to do. Shanti helps Minni articulate what she has learned, giving her a safe space to share her discovery. Once she has decided to act, Faiza helps Minni carry out her plan. Tipping the police with Pinky’s father’s name is the climactic act that proves that Minni is unwilling to be a bystander. The fact that she makes the tip anonymous does not detract from her courage; rather, it is a strategic choice since the police refused to believe the word of a young girl the first time she tried. The bravery required of her in this moment is evident from her fearful tone: “Part of me wants to race back home. What would Baba think about what I’m planning to do?” (157). By the end of the novel, however, Minni is driven by her own moral convictions more than her misinterpretation of her father’s advice. Thus, even though Minni does not initially understand the proverb, she reaches its intended conclusion by bravely standing up to evil.