Interpreter of Maladies is a collection of nine short stories written by Jhumpa Lahiri. The characters in these stories are complex and multifaceted, each with their own unique struggles and desires. In this essay, I will provide a character analysis of three of the main characters in the stories "A Temporary Matter," "Mrs. Sen's," and "This Blessed House."
First, let's take a look at the character of Shoba in "A Temporary Matter." Shoba is a young Indian-American woman who is struggling with the recent loss of her unborn child. She is deeply grief-stricken and feels a sense of isolation from her husband, Shukumar, who is also grieving but seems to be coping in a different way. Shoba's character is revealed through her actions and dialogue, as well as through the way she is described by the narrator.
One of the most striking aspects of Shoba's character is her ability to be vulnerable and open with her emotions. She is not afraid to share her feelings of sadness and grief with her husband, even though it may make him uncomfortable. This vulnerability is a sign of her deep love and connection to Shukumar, as well as her willingness to be honest and authentic with him.
However, Shoba's vulnerability also makes her susceptible to manipulation. She is easily swayed by the words and actions of others, such as when she agrees to attend a party with Shukumar even though she doesn't want to go. This weakness highlights the fact that Shoba is still struggling to find her own voice and identity in the wake of her loss.
Next, let's consider the character of Mrs. Sen in the story "Mrs. Sen's." Mrs. Sen is an Indian woman who has recently moved to the United States with her husband and young son. She is a traditional and religious woman who is struggling to adapt to the new culture and lifestyle in America.
One of the most notable aspects of Mrs. Sen's character is her sense of duty and responsibility. She is deeply devoted to her husband and son, and she is always willing to go above and beyond to care for them. This is seen in her actions, such as cooking elaborate meals for her family and taking on extra work to provide for them financially.
However, Mrs. Sen's sense of duty also causes her to feel overwhelmed and isolated. She is overwhelmed by the demands of caring for her family and adapting to a new culture, and she often feels lonely and homesick. This struggle is further compounded by the fact that her husband is frequently away on business and she has few friends or connections in the community.
Finally, let's examine the character of Sanjeev in "This Blessed House." Sanjeev is a young Indian-American man who is married to Twinkle, a woman from a more traditional Indian family. The couple is struggling to find a balance between their cultural identities and their desire to live a modern, Western lifestyle.
One of the most interesting aspects of Sanjeev's character is his struggle to assert his own identity. He is torn between his desire to please his wife and her family, and his desire to be true to himself. This conflict is seen in his actions, such as his decision to convert to Christianity and his reluctance to fully embrace Indian customs.
However, Sanjeev's character is also defined by his love and loyalty to his wife. Despite their differences, he is deeply committed to Twinkle and is willing to make sacrifices for her. This is seen in his willingness to convert to Christianity and his efforts to make her happy, even if it means going against his own beliefs.
In conclusion, the characters in Interpreter of Maladies
