Weblog Entry 9

It is almost obvious that in Jhumpa Lahiri's story "Interpreter of Maladies" their is no hope for the Das family to change their ways. too well does Jhumpa successfully manage to present and depict an incorrigible family that is ignorant and full of deceit. The mother of the family, Mrs Das, performed adultery against her husband while simultaneously ignoring her children, while the father, Mr Das, remains indifferent towards his entire family and only pays heed to his camera. The children, Bobby, Ronny, and Tina, fail to follow their parents instructions and constantly do things they are told not to do such as play with goats. Besides for neglecting each other, the family also manages to physically harm each other throughout the book. Towards the end of the story, Mrs Das litters the puffed rice she had as a snack on the ground, contrary to what Mr Kapasi told her, which thus leads to Bobby savagely getting attacked by monkeys. Even during this event the family reveals how little they care for each others safety. Tina, the youngest daughter, informs Mr Das that Bobby is getting attacked with no anxiety, almost as if it were a simple statement. Mr Das, reluctant to help out his dying son, shrugs off helping him by stating that the monkeys might start attacking others if he tries to help. The family is so reluctant to help Bobby that it is Mr Kapasi in the end who saves Bobby from possible death. Finally, after Mr Kapasi hands Bobby over to his "family" the only remedies that they have for him is a simple pat on the head, a stick of gum, and brushing his hair, instead of treating his injuries. Thus, through the actions of her characters, Jhumpa Lahiri concludes that the Das family is horrible and that in no way Interpreter of Maladies is a tale of hope.