Pub Three: What It Could Have Been

 What It Could Have Been

In Western philosophy, Postmodernism refers to the late 20th-century movement that challenges the ideas of objective reality, reasoning, and human nature. “Interpreter of Maladies” by Jhumpa Lahiri is a story that exudes postmodernism through exploring various themes that are aligned with the late 20th-century movement. Lahiri shows a diverse array of characters from different backgrounds, ages, and life experiences, allowing readers to view the human condition through various lenses. Each character within the story brings their own unique struggles, desires, and perspectives all within the story. The complexity of “Interpreter of Maladies” helps people understand the complexities of their lives and teaches the human condition. In the story, “Interpreter of Maladies” by Jhumpa Lahiri, the theme of resentment is seen through numerous characters such as Ms. Das and Mr. Das. These feelings of resentment contribute to the overall tension within the story and add depth to both of their characters.

Ms. Das is intertwined with feelings of resentment, both towards herself and towards her circumstances. She feels guilty about her affair, which weighs heavily on her throughout the story. Despite her attempts to seem carefree, her inner battle reveals a deep sense of resentment. In the story, she states, “And no one knows, of course. No one at all. I've kept it a secret for eight whole years." (Lahiri, 25). She explains to Mr. Kapasi that she has not been able to tell anyone because she also has no true friends to tell. She has this resentment towards her husband because "As a result of spending all her time in college with Raj…she did not make many close friends. There was no one to confide in..." (Lahiri, 26). Ms. Das feels out of place and disconnected from her surroundings. Due to her not having anyone to confide in, she feels trapped in a relationship that she finds unfulfilling. Her resentment towards her husband is also evident in her interactions with him, as she often speaks to him dismissively. She resents the lack of emotional intimacy and connection in their marriage, which leaders her to seek validation elsewhere. That is the reason she had an affair with another man. When Mr. Kapasi asks, "is it really pain you feel, Mrs. Das, or is it guilt?" She decides not to answer (Lahiri, 28). Because of all of these feelings of guilt and resentment, it trickles into her relationships with her family. She is discontent with her marriage and lacks to engage with her children during their vacation. Ms. Das shows her internal struggles and resentment toward her family and within herself.

Mr. Das also carries a sense of resentment, although it is shown differently from Ms. Das/ Mr. Das appears to harbor resentment towards his family life, although it is not as overt. He seems disengaged and distant from his wife and children, preferring to focus on his own interests. After his son was hurt by the monkeys, Mr. Das "accidentally pressed the shutter on his camera" instead of grabbing his son (Lahiri, 29). He cared more about himself rather than protecting his son from being hurt. The way he also speaks to his wife can reflect how he harbors true resentment towards her. He says to Mrs. Das, "'Why did you have to wear those stupid shoes?' Mr. Das said. 'You won't be in the pictures''" (Lahiri, 24). While Mr. Das does not openly express resentment towards his marriage, there are subtle hints through the way he talks to her that he may feel trapped or dissatisfied within the relationship. His lack of emotional connection with Mrs. Das suggests underlying issues that may be coming from feelings of resentment. Additionally, his decision to pursue a separate activity from the rest of the family during their vacation could be him trying to distance himself from his marital responsibilities. Although these emotions of resentment are not said out loud, Mr. Das gives subtle hints that he may be keeping feelings of resentment towards his entire family.

This post-modern piece connects to various songs in the present world.  A song that relates to the resentment held by Mrs. Das is "Linger" by The Cranberries. The song captures a sense of lingering resentment and unresolved emotions, which relates to Mrs. Das' internal struggles and discontentment. The lyrics talk about a longing and bitterness, encapsulating the feelings of regret that Mrs. Das struggles with. The lyrics state, “Oh, I thought the world of you

I thought nothing could go wrong” or “You got me wrapped around your finger, Do you have to let it linger?”  The lyrics convey a sense of being trapped within a relationship, echoing Mrs. Das' feelings of being trapped in a marriage. Overall, "Linger" by The Cranberries captures the essence of Mrs. Das' resentment and it adds an outside connection to her internal struggle.

To conclude, “Interpreter of Maladies” by Jhumpa Lahiri is a postmodern writing that uses characters to reveal the human condition and has the reader view the story from multiple perspectives. Mrs. and Mr. Das both experience resentment towards each other and their family, but for different reasons. These feelings of resentment add layers of complexity to their characters and drive the narrative forward as they deal with these internal struggles. Lahiri explores the complexities of human emotion and relationships, offering insight into the universal experiences of discontentment, loneliness, and longing for fulfillment. By examining Mrs. Das's internal struggles and interactions, readers can reflect on their own experiences of resentment and the ways in which it shapes their lives.

Work Cited

Lahiri, Jhumpa. Interpreter of Maladies. Flamingo, 2000.

The Cranberries. “Linger.” Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/track/0gEyKnHvgkrkBM6fbeHdwK?si=916a04a9f63c4f36