PUB 3

 Jourdae Benfante 

04/29/22

Brady 

Pub 3

“Interpreter of Maladies”, written by Jhumpa Lahiri, exemplifies postmodernism. The complexities and imperfections of the human condition are translated through the characters by emotions and actions throughout the short story. Mr.Kapasi seems like the focal point of the story, because like postmodernism, he has a crush on a married woman who has a beautiful family. However, Mrs Das is the grand narrative to a disfigured and flawed life. The conflict between truth, ignorance, communication and fantasy play a strong factor as the story progresses. 

A leading example in this short story that represents postmodernism, revolves around one of the main characters, Mrs.Das. Lahiri makes it abundantly clear how flawed Mrs Das is. Throughout the story she is shown to be a bad parent, egotistical, rude and bitter. The passage reads, “ ‘For God’s sake, stop calling me Mrs.Das. I’m twenty eight. You probably have children my age.’ ‘Not quite.’ It disturbed Mr. Kapasi to learn that she thought of him as a parent. The feeling he had had toward her, that had made him check his reflection in the rearview mirror as they drove, evaporated a little.” (26, LAHIRI). Mrs Das is shown snapping at Mr. Kapasi and insulting him for no logical reason. Mr. Kapasi was just trying to be respectful to her but ended up getting offended and uncomfortable from the rude behavior. Another line says “ ‘Mine too. Mommy, do mine too.’ ‘Leave me alone,’ Mrs. Das said, blowing on her nails and turning her body slightly. ‘You’re making me mess up.’ (16, LAHIRI). Mrs. Das appears to be uncaring and cold toward her own daughter. This being one of many lines in the story that shows her being a

bad parent. Her daughter wants to be like her mother and have her nails painted, meanwhile it seems Mrs.Das can’t be bothered. Lastly, the climax of the story happens when Mrs.Das reveals the truth about her son to Mr. Kapasi. In the story it says “ ‘A brave little boy,’  Mr.Kapasi commented. ‘It’s not so surprising,’ Mrs. Das said, ‘No?’ ‘He’s not his.’ ‘I beg your pardon?’ ‘Raj’s. He’s not Raj’s son.’ ” (25, LAHIRI). A big representation of postmodernism in this piece is the fact that Bobby is not biologically Raj’s kid. These lines show Mrs. Das finally expressing the truth about the situation after having it held in and repressed for many years. She confided in Mr. Kapasi because she admired him in a non romantic way. Mrs. Das lived her truth for a couple minutes with Mr. Kapsi, however, right after the conversation ended she went right back into her fantasy world. Mrs. Das is a perfect example of postmodernism because she symbolizes a flawed person. Having an affair with her husband's friend, having little to no manners and neglecting attention to her kids. She is not your typical hero in a short story

Postmodernism is shown through almost every piece of art today. Most books, magazines, movies, shows, music, podcasts display examples of postmodernism. Like “Interpreter of Maladies” there is always imperfection and conflict in postmodern day films. In the movie Beautiful Boy a father, David, and son struggle to maintain a healthy relationship while the son, Nic, attempts to overcome his drug addiction. Through countless rebounds and relapses, in the end David shows that he will do anything to help Nic, even though it's a long journey to get better. Another example much like the situation Mrs.Das found herself  in is in countless shows in all genres. There is always a romance situation in every show to keep the plot alive. The show How to get Away with Murder is mostly based on crime and law however, many acts of infidelity is represented. Multiple characters in this show are largely imperfect and half the characters are unfaithful to their significant others which keeps the drama going. Many films or shows today involve flawed and chaotic characters to enhance the audience's interest. 

All in all, human imperfection is symbolic in numerous postmodern movies, shows, stories, books, etc. In Lahiri's short story she exhibits many faults in her characters, like Mrs. Das, from unfaithfulness to ignorance and disrespect.