Interpreter of Maladies

1. Interpreter of Maladies JhumpaLahiri

2. Anticipatory Questions • What does an interpreter do? • What are maladies? • What are different kinds of maladies can people experience? • What would an “interpreter of maladies” do that a doctor wouldn’t?

3. Point of View • Third-person limited • Mr. Kapasi’s view through the rearview mirror

4. After Reading • Mr. Kapasi notices almost immediately that Mr. and Mrs. Das are young parents. Discuss and evaluate their parenting behavior and choices. • What kind of relationship does Mr. Kapasi fantasize having with Mrs. Das? How does the interaction between these two characters create suspense? What changes Mr. Kapasi’s thoughts? • Contrast the language, behavior, and apparent social status of the Das family with Mr. Kapasi. What judgments do you make based on these contrasts?

5. Close Reading • Lahiri describes her characters’ clothing with much detail. Working with partners, write down specific references to clothing, briefly indicating how these details reflect the characters and set up the tension in the story. • Divide into groups of three to five. Each group will list and examine references to the camera and photographs, the mirror, the monkeys, and the tourist sites. Analyze the symbolism of each.

6. Discussion and Analysis • Cultural divisions • Text questions • Interrelated plot and characterization • Judge Mr. Kapasi’s demeanor and Mrs. Das’s behavior and attitude, especially as the story ends • Use of narrative structure to examine multiple conflicts, build tension, and provide resolution

7. AP Exam Preparation The full significance of the title “Interpreter of Maladies” discloses itself throughout the story. Prepare a thesis statement and brief outline for this prompt: Examine the effectiveness of the title “Interpreter of Maladies” as it reflects such literary elements as point of view, narrative structure, and symbolism. Avoid a stilted “laundry list” of elements in your thesis statement.