Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri

How do we first meet Mr. and Mrs. Das?

• Fighting over who should take their daughter to the bathroom.

• Discussing what place in India should they visit first.

• Traveling to India with their children.

• Meeting Mr. Kapasi in the Hotel

Answer explanation

Mrs. Das had to take her daughter Tina after Mr. Das reminded her that he had given Tina a bath the night before.

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Where does the story take place?

• Missouri
• Florida 
• Africa 
• India

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Where were the Das family heading?

• The hills of Udayagiri and Khandagiri

• Hotel Sandy Villa

• Sun Temple

• A tea stall

Answer explanation

They were staying at the Hotel Sandy Villa and after the Sun Temple, visited the hills of Udayagiri and Khandagiri.

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From which point of view is the story told in?

• First Person

• Second Person

• Objective

• Third Person

Answer explanation

It uses third person pronouns (he, she, it).

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What was Mr. Kapasi's primary job?

• An interpreter at a doctor's office.

• An interpreter for the United Nations.

• A dictionary translator.

• A spiritual guide in a doctor's office.

Answer explanation

Mr. Kapasi had to have two jobs to support his family. The title of the short story is related to his role: "an interpreter of maladies". He interpreted for Gujarati patients in a doctor's office.

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What might be the symbolism of Hanuman monkeys?

• The dangers that threatened the Das family due to their negligence.

• The unsteady marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Das.

• The chaos of Indian life.

Answer explanation

The monkeys first appear when they jump in front of the tour guide's car, almost causing an accident. Mr. Das, instead of showing concern, takes picture of the animals and encourages the children's excitement. The second time the monkeys appear, they are attacking Bobby due to Mr. and Mrs. Das neglect and refusal to take responsibility of their actions.

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What might be the symbolism of Mr. Das' expensive camera?

• The bi-cultural identity and wealth of the Das family.

• The indifference in the Das family.

• The enjoyment of a united family in vacation.

Answer explanation

Mr. Das continuously takes pictures of things that are common sights in India, making him look like an outsider instead of someone who has roots in the country. Lastly, the camera shows the gap in wealth between Mr. Kapasi, who has to have two jobs to maintain his family, and Mr. Das, who can maintain his family, afford a vacation and a priced camera.

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What might be the symbolism of the Sun Temple?

• The native roots of India that Mr. Kapasi and the Das family shared.

• A tourist site for foreigners who fall out of love.

• The love of couples and families.

Answer explanation

The Sun Temple shows the connection all the characters have to India. Nevertheless, the Das family are indifferent to the structure, acting as tourists and highlighting their American identity, while Mr. Kapasi sees the temple as his favorite place and part of his identity.

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What does Mrs. Das confide to Mr. Kapasi?

• That she is tired of the trip.

• India isn't what it used to be.

• Bobby isn't Mr. Das' son.

• Mr. Das is a loving parent.

Answer explanation

Mrs. Das shares the secret to Mr. Kapasi because she believes he has the power to relieve her of the "malady" of her feelings. It is at this moment that we see that Mrs. Das isn't interested in Mr. Kapasi romantically, as he believed when she showed interest in his job as an interpreter in a doctor's office.

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How are Mr. Kapasi and Mrs. Das similar?

• Both have unhappy marriages.

• Both are bi-cultural.

• Both are wealthy.

• Both work more than two jobs.

Answer explanation

Mr. Kapasi becomes distant with his wife when their son dies, and Mrs. Das explains that she was married at a young age, and having lived all her childhood and adulthood with Mr. Das resulted in her loneliness and inability to have people to confide her feelings.

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