Lahiri Stories Discussion Questions
And Class Notes (Sec04)
“Interpreter of Maladies”:
 Why did Mrs. Das look for understanding from Mr. Kapasi?

How does Mr. Kapasi misinterpret Mrs. Das’ verbal and non-verbal language?

How do Mrs. Das' past and present attitudes affect her parenting?

Do you think Mr. Kapasi’s interpretation of Mrs. Das feeling guilt, rather than
pain, is correct?
o What other emotions does she experience? Anger at husband and kids;
Loss of youth by marrying young; Regret for lying to husband and son
about her extramarital affair; Overall dissatisfaction at her life and
situation.

What is the significance of Mr. Kapasi’s last impression of the Das family in the
last paragraph?
o He sees her as a mother with her instincts to care for children kicking in;
He no longer lusts for her like he did at first because she is a mother who
is not interested in him romantically whatsoever.
“This Blessed House”:
 Why does the Christian paraphernalia in the house bother Sanjeev so much?
o It gives others the wrong impression about him than he wants them to
think (cares about his image to others)
o Twinkle sees interest in the objects and it bothers him because he doesn’t
get it.
o It’s another reason his wife upsets him.
o Pgs. 149 & 146

Why does the Christian paraphernalia in the house intrigue Twinkle so much?
o It’s exciting to hunt for the treasures.
o She’s superstitious about them because if they were valued by someone
else and get thrown away it might be bad luck.
o She enjoys showing the objects off for guests as an interesting part of
their house.

Why isn’t Sanjeev sure if he loves Twinkle?
o (147) She doesn’t seem like a good wife- lazy.
o Her interest in the C. paraphernalia annoys him & goes against his
desires.
o She doesn’t appear to take his opinions into consideration or support him.
o At 36, being married for 2 months, he’s not sure if what he and Twinkle
has is love.

In what ways is Twinkle a suitable wife for Sanjeev?
o They are opposites attracting- she’s loose-ended, nonchalant compared to
him being practical and rational. They balance each other out.
o (153) She’s attractive, so she’s good for his image.
o He’s so controlling and she’s so carefree, free-spirited.
o They are both Indian- can relate on a cultural level (sometimes).

By the end of the story, how does Sanjeev feel about Twinkle?
o He accepts her, knows he can’t change her because she still doesn’t listen
to him.
o He hates that Twinkle loves the objects and found a valuable one. He will
continue to resent the objects and Twinkle for liking, keeping, and showing
the objects off.
o He’s feeling how he felt at the beginning- butterfly feeling that everything’s
perfect; excitement, thrill.
“The Third and Final Continent”:
 What challenges does the Narrator face as an immigrant?
o Food changes, weather changes, noisy, cheap accommodations

What sacrifices does the Narrator make for his wife?
o Has to look for a bigger apartment, he has to be ready to teach her the
cultural differences

How does the Narrator treat his wife when she joins him in the United States?
o He cooks egg curry for her (traditional dish); he has trouble adjusting to
giving her money for shopping; he doesn’t comfort her when she misses
home

How does Mrs. Croft’s age affect the Narrator?
o She’s not like his mom who was depressed, crazy; Mrs. Croft is basically
self-sufficient & doesn’t get help from family much
 How does Mrs. Croft’s family situation affect the Narrator?
o It is unfamiliar to him in a cultural sense for her to be living essentially
alone.