Ex what?

January 2, 2009 6:55 AM

Can someone explain a passage/plot point in Aravind Adiga's "The White Tiger?" (Warning: spoilers!)

I read "The White Tiger" over the holiday, and really enjoyed it. But one passage, near the end, has me mystified. Google searches and rereads have proved fruitless

On page 272, as the protagonist is reflecting (in a letter) on what he has done and its implications for his family and future, he writes:

That leaves me only one person to talk about.
My ex.

He then ponders the fate of this ex, who is referred to as "he."

The Mongoose? Did I miss or skim something?

posted by M.C. Lo-Carb! to writing & language (3 comments total)

I read that as ex-employer, meaning Mr. Ashok, though I also found the use of "ex" a little odd, like there was a sexual subtext between the two that I had missed.
posted by Lentrohamsanin at 7:03 AM on January 2

You know, Lentrohamsanin, I think you're right. I have been reading it wrong all along.
posted by M.C. Lo-Carb! at 7:25 AM on January 2

I also think it was Mr. Ashok. And I similarly found the word 'ex' a little strange.
posted by number9dream at 1:02 PM on January 2