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.