City: Characteristics

The Mythic City introduces Bombay, or Mumbai, as a much coveted, foreign destination, both because of its geographic “remoteness” and its allure to the author. Bombay was chosen over New Delhi and Madras, because it’s not a “dull seat of the government” nor too culturally remote. Hindi cinema served to fuel this desire to experience the “unlimited possibilities” Bombay offered. Employing eye-watering descriptions and slightly sardonic humor, the author expounds on the features of the city, mostly referring to the prevalent social, political and artistic scenes. Bombay is revealed to be a city where scores of tongues resonate among the populace, which in turn consists of a large gamut of religions. This has led to an innovative vernacular tongue, Bambaiya. Mumbai is a colorful city, lush with fervor. With these glorious revelations, the author then proceeds to enter the streets of Mumbai.

The preface to City at its Limits deals with Lima. It takes of taboo, and transgression. The transgression of taboos highlights the character of Lima. This was due to a lack of an object to systematically examine.

Both articles, though varying in the telling, describe cities through their most defining characteristics.

Sharanya Soundararajan