compare birdmam and flight 303

"The Birdman" by Margaret Bhatty, has her signature inscribed on it. As a child, she grew up in the Berinag, where she was surrounded by wildlife and she uses her connection with nature in her stories. Her style in scenic description is very distinct, as she makes sure that she captures every intricate detail. "Flight 303" has been written by Suresh Chopra which is placed in international settings like London and America and has a western touch to it when compared to the Mandovi river of  "The Birdman".

Suresh Chopra manages to make destiny and luck a pivotal theme to his story. Rummy, the central character, sees his fate lines change out of nowhere. The story provides a relief to the readers with its light- hearted approach towards life that serves as a relief from distress. Rummy, has one unique ability, which is to pick locks. He eventually uses this notorious talent of his to earn some profit and money by serving underworld goons. However, one fine day, his habits make him land in a problematic situation. The narrator, who has been a good friend of his, sees him handcuffed by two policemen at Kennedy airport. The narrator is taken aback and tries to find out what the matter was. He is compelled to board his flight and continues to wait for his old friend at Heathrow airport. However, in a few moments, he sees something

that he cannot believe! The same man that was handcuffed by two police officers, was now in a royal suit, had a mercedes lined up for him, and was given VIP treatment.

The story shows how life can change completely within a second. It is later revealed that Rummy actually saved many lives on Flight 303 by picking a lock for which he

received cash from the world's second richest man Ludwig, who gave him half a million for being able to pick the lock. A man who was about to be punished and sentenced to a life of misery, was now enveloped by luxury, just in the switch of a second.

Margaret Bhatty on the other hand centralizes her story on the themes of culture and internal frame of reference. Terry Eagleton defines culture to be a shared tradition of morality and values. Most of the belief systems we find ourselves adhering to are inherited. We of course do form our personal beliefs through experience, but it is undeniable that our society has a major impact on how we think and act. Having an overall Goan setting, the story "The Birdman" capturesthe vibe of Panjim and old Goa. Jacinta, an Indian nanny, works with the Goodman family and takes care of the two little children, David and Judy. Jacinta takes the children to  Uncle Francis' house to show them his birds. She is initially very enthusiastic and happy to be there, however, there is something that catches her eye. She hears one of the birds saying something disgusting which embarrasses her completely. She manages to drag the children out of there, however, the birdman seems insistent on them taking a bird along with them. He is fixated on this idea to an extent that he goes to the Goodman house, where he forcefully drops one of his birds in a cage in their house.

"The Birdman" can get a little bit disturbing as it involves children being caught in between innocence and lust. They show similarity of expression in comparison totheir mother, who also seems to be disgusted by such things. Moreover, the last line of the story said by Judy "And he is not Jacinta's uncle, daddy", gives the story an overall vibe of dishonesty. "Flight 303" is a journey within itself. It is filled with irony and the chronicles of life that makes it distinct from other tales.