Baba's significance in 'Clear Light of Day'

In the novel 'Clear Light of Day', Anita Desai introduces readers to a new Das sibling. In the Das family, Baba is the youngest and most beautiful sibling. At first he is adored by everyone but then sparks their curiousty as they try to figure out why he was developing so slowly. His significance in the novel is to portray a state of sameness.

Baba's character experiences no change or growth throughout the book. This is due to the fact that he was born with a mental disability which makes him unable to develop mentaly. As a result he required constant care, first from Aunt Mira then from Bimla. Aunt Mira was brought to the Das home to care for Baba after the mother grew tired of caring for him. She taught him to use his hands by playing with pebbles. It is seen that even later in his life he is still playing with the pebbles, showing his inability to grasp other games. This is also seen by his attachment to the gramaphone, which he uses to play the same records that he's had from childhood.

Thus it's seen that Baba's character is to serve as a constant reminder of the the Das children's childhood and how things have not changed in the house. He also is used as excuse by Bim for her not being able to get married.