Catherine Weitzel, Elizabeth Edwards, Haley Lanser, Molly Daily
Ms. Jarvis-Freeman
AP Literature & Composition
15 October 2009
Proposal for The Interpreters of Melodies (Band Name)
For the semester project, we propose to portray the themes of our book through music – by
composing and covering songs that relate to Jhumpa Lahiri’s collection of short stories entitled
Interpreter of Maladies. For the music, our lovely Elizabeth will be providing stunning vocals. Molly will
be heard giving deep, heart-wrenching analyses of themes portrayed throughout the book as well as
supplying some background accompaniment in the music. Haley will rock the piano to capture your ear
and your heart. Catherine will be heard plucking at the guitar to add to this unique collection of
interpretive melodies.
The stories:

“A Temporary Matter” – Tells the story of a couple torn apart by the death of their unborn baby,
and how they can only relate in darkness after the tragedy, eventually leading to their
separation. This story combines haunting themes how honesty is revealed in darkness, and how
knowledge unites and tears the couple apart in their sorrow.

“When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine” – Mr. Pirzada comes from Dacca in East Pakistan to America,
and visits with Lilia’s family, causing Lilia to become more aware of what is going on in her
family’s native country, India, which is in a sad state because of the war. In this case, ignorance
truly is bliss until startling knowledge and loss of childhood innocence changes Lilia forever.

“Interpreter of Maladies” – Mr. Kapasi gives the Das family a tour of parts of India, slowly
becoming fascinated by Mrs. Das until he realizes her unfaithfulness to her family. Both of these
characters were not able to live up to their full potentials, causing pain and the loss of
opportunity later in life.

“A Real Durwan” -