The author like his other books has wisely chosen the fictitious and famous town Malgudi for the fabrication of the plot. The story "Dark Room" is woven around two women from different backgrounds but have one similarity of depending on their counterparts for their survival.
We find Savitri, as the name is appropriate for the character, to be very dutiful and conforming homemaker, who is helpless in the fiercely patriarchal society, unable to educate herself and being subjected to the atrocities of her husband. Savitri’s submissive behaviour adds to the problem and makes her an easy prey. On the other hand, Ramani is able to survive with her fancies, whims, criticism and insults subjected to her. The four walls of her house were tolerable for her till the time her husband had not started spending nights in the same parameters with Shanta bai. Shanta bai is an attractive, rebellious and intimidating woman, hired by Ramani as a temporary employee in her husbands company. She seems to misuse her talents by not proving herself at work, being the only woman employee of Ramani’s office. Ramani being dependent on her husband plays a very different role in surviving.
Savitri with her submissive character restricts herself to a dark room and tries to win her husband but was of no use. Finally, she is extremely frustrated of her dependence on her husband and makes an attempt to take her life. Although she is saved from the suicide attempt but a part of her dies in this whole process. The event inspires her to come out of her subservient form and take a new challenge.
The story has massive impact in todays world as it may have some decades back. It is a very thought provoking story which reflects and describes the typical reality of orthodox chennai households. The story is written in simple, lucid language and good sense of humour sprinkled in and around. It is a must read for all especially for women.