The Sword and Sherwani in The Dating Plan: Symbol Analysis

The Sword and Sherwani: A Symbol of Cultural Embrace and Evolving Commitment in The Dating Plan

In Sara Desai's The Dating Plan, the ceremonial sword and sherwani that Liam Murphy purchases for the fake wedding function as a rich, evolving symbol. Literally, the sherwani is a long, coatlike garment of embroidered silk, and the sword is a curved, thirty-five-inch blade in a decorated scabbard—both traditional elements of Indian wedding attire. The pair first appears in Chapter 11 during a shopping trip to Krishna Fashions, recurs in Liam's proposal in Chapter 33, and reappears playfully in Chapter 34. Across these moments, the sword and sherwani shift from a prop in a fabricated engagement to a genuine emblem of Liam's willingness to embrace Daisy's cultural world, his commitment to their relationship, and the playful intimacy they share.

The Sherwani and Sword as Cultural Heritage and Willingness to Embrace Daisy's World

In the store scene (Chapter 11), Liam's purchase of the sherwani and sword is a deliberate act of cultural immersion. Daisy initially insists he can rent a tux for the ten-minute civil ceremony, but Liam pushes back: “It’s my fake wedding. I want to dress how I want to dress.” This line signals that he is not treating the fake engagement as a mere performance; he wants to participate authentically in the traditions of Daisy's family. The shopkeeper Deepa describes the sword as signifying “the true glory of a king of the jungle who is brave, courageous, fearless, and protective of his family,” and Liam is immediately drawn to it. His enthusiasm—he tries on the sherwani, preens in the mirror, and takes up a fencing position—shows a genuine delight in the cultural trappings, not just a grudging compliance.

Daisy's reaction is telling. She is embarrassed and tries to rein him in, worried about the cost and the deviation from her plan. Her resistance reflects her broader fear of intimacy and her tendency to control situations through lists and schedules. Liam's impulsive purchase, by contrast, embodies spontaneity and a willingness to invest emotionally. When Daisy asks if he would wear it if they were really getting married, he answers simply, “Then I’ll wear it.” This moment reveals that the sherwani is not just a costume; it is a tangible expression of his desire to be part of her world. The sword, with its ornate scabbard and symbolic meaning, becomes a promise of protection and honor—a promise Liam will later echo in his proposal.

Transformation of Meaning: From Fake Prop to Real Commitment

The sword and sherwani undergo a significant transformation as the story progresses. In Chapter 33, during his proposal at the bus stop, Liam references the sword directly: he hopes to be “a man worthy of you, and who would protect you with the sword you are going to allow him to have at our wedding.” This line explicitly ties the sword to their future wedding, not the fake one. The proposal itself is a turning point where the fake engagement becomes real, and the sword is invoked as a symbol of that transition.

Moreover, the couple decides to amend their original plan for a quick Vegas ceremony. Daisy suggests a local celebration with family and food, and Liam agrees, noting that it would be “a terrible waste” to wear the expensive sherwani for only ten minutes. This decision is significant: the sherwani and sword are no longer just props for a civil ceremony; they are meant to be displayed and celebrated in front of both families. The shift from a private, minimal wedding to a communal, culturally rich one mirrors the deepening of their relationship and Liam's full acceptance into the Patel family. The sword, once a playful accessory, now becomes a centerpiece of their real wedding—a symbol of Liam's commitment to Daisy's heritage and to building a life together.

Recurrence and Playful Intimacy in Chapter 34

The sword reappears in Chapter 34 in a scene that highlights the couple's comfort and humor. Liam surprises Daisy in the conference restroom, pulling the sword from his sports bag. He has picked up the sherwani early, eager to show it to Sanjay and to share the news of Aunt Roisin's gift of his grandfather's house. His playful thrust at the menstrual pad dispenser—“En garde. I will protect my lady's honor with my life”—is a direct callback to his earlier swordplay in the store. This repetition transforms the sword into a private joke between them, a symbol of their shared laughter and the ease they have found with each other.

The scene also underscores the sword's role in building family bonds. Liam mentions that Sanjay wanted to see it, and that he plans to show it to Brendan and Jaxon at the distillery. The sword becomes a conduit for male camaraderie, as seen earlier when Sam and Liam compare sword sizes and become “sword-toting besties.” This playful competition and shared enthusiasm for the weapon reinforce the theme of family and friendship, showing how Liam is integrating into Daisy's world and also maintaining his own connections. The sword's recurrence in a professional setting—the conference—also bridges Liam's personal and professional life, suggesting that his commitment to Daisy is not separate from his identity but central to it.

Thematic Connections

The sword and sherwani resonate with several key themes in the novel.

Cultural Expectations and Family Matchmaking Pressure: The sherwani is a traditional garment that signals Liam's willingness to meet the expectations of Daisy's family. His purchase helps him pass the “Patel tests” (as he later jokes about the house and car), demonstrating that he is serious about being part of the family. The sword's symbolic meaning—bravery, protection, and family loyalty—aligns with the values the Patel family holds dear.
Control vs. Spontaneity: Daisy's plan-driven approach clashes with Liam's impulsive purchase. The sherwani and sword represent the spontaneous, emotional side of their relationship that Daisy initially resists but eventually embraces. By the end, she is the one suggesting they amend the plan to have a family wedding, showing her growth.
Fear of Abandonment and Trust: Liam's willingness to invest in the sherwani and sword—expensive, meaningful items—signals his trust in the relationship's future. His earlier fear of abandonment (rooted in his past) is countered by his concrete actions, like buying the sword and later proposing. The sword becomes a tangible promise of his commitment.
The Role of a Confidant: Layla and Sam play crucial roles in the store scene, with Layla's exasperation and Sam's encouragement. Their presence highlights how the couple's relationship is supported by friends who understand the cultural significance of the symbols.
Career Ambition vs. Personal Happiness: In Chapter 34, Daisy is preparing for her pitch as CEO of Organicare, while Liam is building his own venture. The sword appears in this professional context, suggesting that their personal happiness and career ambitions are not in conflict but can coexist. Liam's playful swordplay in the restroom is a reminder that their love brings joy even amid high-stakes professional moments.

Study Questions and Answers

1. How does Liam's purchase of the sherwani and sword in Chapter 11 reveal his character and his feelings for Daisy?

Liam's insistence on buying the expensive sherwani and sword, despite Daisy's protests, shows his genuine desire to embrace her culture and his willingness to invest in their relationship. His playful swordplay and delight in the outfit indicate that he is not just going through the motions of the fake engagement; he is emotionally engaged. The moment when he says he would wear it if they were really getting married reveals his underlying hope that the relationship becomes real.

2. What does the sword symbolize in Liam's proposal in Chapter 33, and how does it connect to the theme of commitment?

In his proposal, Liam mentions the sword as a symbol of protection and honor, saying he hopes to be a man worthy of Daisy and to protect her with the sword at their wedding. This directly ties the sword to their future, transforming it from a fake prop into a promise of lifelong commitment. The proposal itself is a rejection of fear and a declaration of trust, and the sword becomes a tangible emblem of that vow.

3. How does the recurrence of the sword in Chapter 34 change its meaning?

In Chapter 34, the sword becomes a playful, intimate token between Liam and Daisy. His “en garde” thrust at the dispenser is a private joke that shows their comfort and humor. The sword also serves as a connection to family and friends, as Liam plans to show it to Sanjay and Brendan. Its meaning shifts from a formal symbol of cultural heritage to a personal symbol of their shared joy and the integration of their lives.

4. In what ways does the sherwani and sword reflect the novel's themes of control vs. spontaneity and cultural expectations?

The sherwani and sword embody the tension between Daisy's need for control (her plan for a simple tux and a quick ceremony) and Liam's spontaneous, emotional approach (his impulsive purchase and desire for a grander wedding). The couple's eventual decision to have a family wedding with the sherwani and sword on display shows a balance between these forces. The symbols also represent Liam's willingness to meet cultural expectations, which is crucial for his acceptance into the Patel family and for the relationship's success.