Name _______________________________________ Period 1 / 2
Interpreter of Maladies & Critical Lens Theory
For this unit, we will be reading short stories from Jhumpa Lahiri's collection, Interpreter of
Maladies. While reading, really look for Economic, Race, and Gender Lens issues in the
characterization and conflict of the story.
Some background on Jhumpa Lahiri:
Lahiri was born in London in 1967 to Indian immigrants from West Bengal. At age 2, Lahiri
moved to America. Lahiri grew up grappling with her identity as an Indian- American, dealing with
issues ranging from the pronunciation of her full name (Jhumpa is a short name that she goes by)
to rejection from more "mainstream" publishers.
In 1999, Interpreter of Maladies was finally released. The collection of stories provides insight into
the Indian, Indian-immigrant, and 1st/2nd Generation issues that she lived with. In a Newsweek
article, Lahiri comments that "When I first started writing I was not conscious that my subject was
the Indian-American experience. What drew me to my craft was the desire to force the two worlds
I occupied to mingle on the page as I was not brave enough, or mature enough, to allow in life."
American critics applauded the short stories (as well has her subsequent novel, The Namesake);
ironically, some critics in India bemoaned that Lahiri had not painted Indians in as positive a light
as they would have liked.
Lahiri continues to write and currently serves on the Presidential Committee for the Arts &
Humanities.
Useful links: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89311782
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Final In-Class Expository Essay (March 28th)
Unlike our previous Issues in Education and Issues in Justice essays, our final in-class
expository essay will have a much broader topic.
For this essay, please identify an issue in Gender, Race, or Economic Equality that appeals
to you. While these can build on previous topics in Education and Justice, you can select a new
topic if you desire.
By MARCH 24th, please confirm a topic with Mr. B and please find at least TWO outside
sources that you can use for evidence in your paper.
The essay will be written IN-CLASS on March 28th. Please consult previous expository
rubrics for patterns of error and areas of improvement!!!
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Reading Calendar for Interpreter of Maladies
M March 17th
Intro to Critical Lens Theory & “The Stolen Party”
th
T March 18
DUE for Class: “The Comet”
(1) W March 19th
DUE for Class: “A Real Durwan”
(2) Th March 20th
DUE for Class: “A Real Durwan”
F March 21st
DUE for Class: “Mrs. Sen’s”
Vocabulary Quiz #7 – Topic for Expos Essay
M March 24th
th
(1) T March 25
DUE for Class: “Interpreter of Maladies”
th
(2) W March 26
DUE for Class: “Interpreter of Maladies”
Th March 27th
Expos Essay Outlining
F March 28th
In-Class Expository Essay – Critical Lens Issues