The introduction provides a brief overview of 'The Portrait of a Lady,' describing it as a poignant biographical sketch by Khushwant Singh that pays tribute to his grandmother. The narrative unfolds chronologically, tracing the evolving relationship between the author and his grandmother against the backdrop of changing times and environments.

The story initially portrays the grandmother as an old, deeply religious woman with a serene demeanor, residing in their ancestral village. She is depicted as highly active, supervising the household, feeding the village dogs, and meticulously reciting her prayers. Her life is simple, devout, and deeply connected to nature and the community. The author, as a young boy, shares a close bond with her; she assists him with his studies and accompanies him to the village school.

The narrative then shifts to their life in the city, where their relationship undergoes a subtle but significant change. While they share a room, the common thread of assisting with studies and walking to school is severed. The grandmother finds solace in feeding sparrows, a quiet act of compassion that replaces her routine with village dogs. The author's increasing engagement with English education, science, and music alienates her. She cannot reconcile with the Western education, particularly the lack of religious teaching and the inclusion of music, which she considers unsuitable for 'gentlefolk.' This period highlights a growing emotional distance, not born of conflict, but from differing values and life paths.

Finally, the story moves to the author's departure for higher studies abroad. Despite her age and the prolonged separation, the grandmother bids him farewell without emotion, focusing on her prayers. Upon his return after five years, she celebrates his arrival with an unusual, exuberant evening of singing and drumming, leading to her physical exhaustion. This brief burst of earthly celebration precedes her peaceful demise, as she continues to pray even in her final moments. Her body, lying peacefully, is ultimately surrounded by thousands of sparrows, who silently mourn her passing, refusing the breadcrumbs offered to them – a powerful symbolic tribute to her compassionate nature.

The grandmother is the central figure, a personification of grace, dignity, and unwavering faith. She is a woman of deep religious conviction, finding solace and purpose in her prayers and acts of kindness, particularly towards animals. Her transition from the vibrant, active village life to the quiet, almost isolated city existence underscores her resilience and adaptability, yet also her steadfast adherence to her values. Her initial firmness in adhering to traditional beliefs softens into a quiet acceptance of the changing times, though she never abandons her core principles. Her profound love for her grandson is expressed through her silent actions and constant prayers for his well-being.

The author, Khushwant Singh, portrays himself as an observant and sensitive narrator, deeply affectionate toward his grandmother. His journey from childhood dependence to adult understanding of her quiet strength and unwavering faith forms the emotional core of the narrative. He appreciates her unique qualities, even when their paths diverge due to education and urban migration.

The story beautifully illustrates the profound and evolving bond between a grandson and his grandmother. It showcases their initial closeness, the subtle distancing due to changing circumstances, and the enduring love and respect that transcend these shifts.

The narrative effectively portrays how relationships are impacted by time, education, and geographical shifts. The shared experiences in the village give way to separate lives in the city, leading to a silent emotional gap, yet the underlying affection remains.

The contrast between the simple, religiously inclined, and community-oriented village life and the more complex, secular, and individualistic urban existence is a prominent theme. The grandmother's struggle to adapt to the city, particularly its educational system, highlights this dichotomy.

The grandmother's deep devotion and continuous prayer life are central to her character. Her spirituality provides her strength, comfort, and a sense of purpose throughout her life.

While the grandmother quietly accepts her changing circumstances, she subtly resists aspects of modernization, particularly in education, that conflict with her deeply held beliefs.

Khushwant Singh employs simple, direct prose, making the narrative accessible and deeply moving. Some literary devices used include similes, metaphors, symbolism, first-person narrative, and foreshadowing.