Interpreter of Maladies: A Temporary Matter

Who are the main characters?

• Shukumar

• Shukmar

• Shoba's Mother

• Shoba

What event is the catalyst for the plot of the story?

• A visit from Shoba's mother

• Shoba finding an apartment to live separately from Shukumar

• Shukumar's dissertation in Baltimore

• A power outage in their area

What does Shoba do for a living?

• She is still a student

• She is a stay-at-home mom

• She edits textbooks

• She is a lawyer

What does Shukumar cook for Shoba?

• Nothing; Shoba is the cook.

• Shrimp

• Butter Chicken

• Lamb

Why does Shukumar work in his "study," even though it used to be a bedroom?

• Shoba confined him to the study so he would be out of her way

• He wants to avoid Shoba, knowing she doesn't like entering the room

• It is the only room with functioning power, due to a solar-powered lamp

• The crib was never built in the study due to the passing of their child, so the study has always been a study

During one of her confessions, Shoba mentions somebody she had drinks with. What is their name?

• William

• Gilian

• Avery

• Jill

During their game, Shukumar confesses to which of the following?

• Taking a picture out of a magazine

• Having an affair with somebody named Gillian

• Selling a vest Shoba gave him, and getting drinks

• Hating the poems Shoba wrote

What family do the couple see going to the bookstore?

• The Hamptoms

• They go the the bookstore, not anyone else

• The Smiths

• The Bradfords

What does Shoba do behind Shukumar's back during the power outage?

• She parties

• She has an affair

• She stays in bed until lunch

• She finds an apartment

What is the sex of the child?

• Boy

• Girl

• We never find out