Anita Desai’s story “The Rooftop Dwellers” portrays  a woman, who wants to be more independent and get her achievements in life by leaving her family and moving to the hostel- starting her new life by herself. This story was published in 2000. We  can notice some significant changes in Indian society.

The main character Moyna represents a new image of woman. It’s very interesting for me that a woman from middle class, who used to live in good conditions and had comfort, decided to change her life. The fact that she is not married and she is not young, makes me surprised. Moreover she got her degree in literature, she was teaching at school in her hometown, before she left home. I admire her that she could leave her family and started to realize herself in life and she was not afraid of anyone’s opinion.

Most women who live in” barsati”, were women, who had a new role in the society. They work hard.For example her friend Tara has a husband, but she still works and I feel like in their relationship they have equal rights. The moment that Tara smokes is kind of unexpected from Indian women. I think it made me think about those changes more ,since in previous readings it was never mentioned.

I also found important when Moyna drinks vine with a man, whom she has met recently. I think it shows us that a relationship between a man and a woman became less strict and more open, it’s not shocking anymore.