There is nothing quite as unpleasant as wearing a pair of briefs which have been trailed through a Calcutta courtyard. Nothing, that is, except having one's elbows and knees lacerated by unseen slivers of glass and discarded razor blades.
In "Sorcerer's Apprentice," Tahir Shah vividly illustrates the discomfort of everyday life in Calcutta, using humor to convey the unpleasantness of wearing dirty briefs. The imagery evokes a strong sense of physical discomfort, not just from dirty clothing but also from the dangers of the environment, highlighting the city's chaotic atmosphere.
Shah contrasts this discomfort with the more serious hazards present in the surroundings, such as sharp glass and razor blades....
