Chapter summaries City of the Plague God Sarwat Chadda

Chapter 6 (Chapter Five) Summary – City of the Plague God

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

The chapter opens directly after the deli attack. Sikander, still shaken, encounters Belet’s mother, Ishtar, who has just caused a traffic incident by forcing a cab across lanes. When the cab driver and a pickup truck driver nearly come to blows, Ishtar whistles and commands “All you need is love” – the two men instantly embrace and exchange phone numbers. Sikander finds this deeply strange.

Ishtar reveals that the insect-like monster and its demon master were sent by her sister, Erishkigal, the queen of the underworld, and her brother-in-law (Erishkigal’s husband). She dismisses it as “family business.” Belet remains hostile and tries to keep Sikander at a distance. Despite his desire to avoid further trouble, Sikander decides he must understand what happened to his family’s deli. He agrees to go with Ishtar and Belet, skipping his detention. The chapter ends in Ishtar’s Jaguar, where a button marked “DNT” catches Sikander’s eye; Ishtar says it’s for when she “really need[s] to fly.”

Key Events

  • Ishtar demonstrates her influence by pacifying a street brawl with a simple command.
  • She confirms the attacker was sent by her sister Erishkigal, framing the conflict as divine family warfare.
  • Belet repeatedly tries to exclude Sikander, but Ishtar insists he is already involved.
  • Sikander makes a conscious choice to pursue the truth rather than return to school routine.
  • The chapter introduces Ishtar’s car and its mysterious “DNT” button, hinting at supernatural transportation.

Character Development

Sikander Azizi: Shows growing resolve and curiosity; he overrides his fear and Belet’s hostility to investigate the attack. His decision to skip detention marks a shift from cautious observer to active participant. Belet (Ishtar’s daughter): Remains prickly and protective. She tries to shield Sikander from danger, but her methods are abrasive. Her relationship with her mother is clearly strained – she groans at Ishtar’s theatrics and insists on handling things herself. Ishtar: Appears as a radiant, manipulative goddess who enjoys chaos and affection. She uses charm and love magic casually, but her offhand mention of Erishkigal reveals ancient rivalries. Her maternal behavior toward Belet is both playful and controlling.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • Divine manipulation: Ishtar’s love command blurs the line between benevolence and coercion – she “fixes” conflict by overriding free will.
  • Family entanglement: The attack on the deli is part of a family feud among Mesopotamian gods, showing that Sikander’s mortal world is now caught in immortal disputes.
  • Choice and consequence: Sikander’s decision to go with Ishtar versus attending detention represents his first deliberate step into the supernatural realm; the “DNT” button symbolizes boundaries he may later cross.
  • Modern vs. mythological: The clash of a Jaguar with a “turbo boost” button and a goddess who causes traffic jams highlights the blending of ancient power with contemporary New York.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 6 deepens the mythological foundation of the novel. It confirms that the plague-creature was sent by a specific divine enemy (Erishkigal) and introduces Ishtar as a major character. The chapter also solidifies Sikander’s agency: he chooses knowledge over normalcy, setting the main quest in motion. Belet’s protective hostility and Ishtar’s enigmatic presence establish the dynamics that will define the team throughout the story. The “DNT” button foreshadows extraordinary travel and powers yet to be unveiled.

Study Questions and Answers

  1. How does Ishtar’s intervention in the street fight reveal her divine nature?
    Answer: By calming the cab driver and truck driver with a simple phrase (“All you need is love”), she exerts influence that seems to override their free will, making them hug and exchange numbers. Sikander notes the absurdity, and Belet’s reaction (“Mother! Stop it!”) suggests this is a characteristic use of her power. The incident demonstrates Ishtar’s ability to alter emotions at will, a skill befitting a goddess of love.

  2. Why does Belet want to keep Sikander out of the conflict?
    Answer: Belet is clearly experienced with her mother’s chaos and wants to handle the situation without involving a mortal. She believes Sikander is already in danger and tries to push him away – she says “I can just watch out for–” before Ishtar overrules her. Her frustration and sarcasm (“Oh, joy”) indicate she feels responsible for protecting him, even if she dislikes his presence.

  3. What does Sikander’s decision to go with Ishtar and Belet tell us about his character change?
    Answer: Earlier, Sikander only wanted to return to normal life and stay away from Belet. Here, despite Belet’s hostility and the certain danger, he says “Yallah, I want to know everything.” He rationalizes it as gathering information for the police, but the choice represents a clear break from his habitual caution. He is now actively seeking answers about the supernatural attack, which propels him into the main plot.

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