Interpreter of Maladies: Selected Stories Reading Comprehension and Literary Analysis

Vocabulary and key concept flashcards covering literary elements, character dynamics, and symbolism across Jhumpa Lahiri's stories: 'A Real Durwan', 'When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine', and 'Mrs. Sen's'.

Durwan

A building porter or gatekeeper; in the context of the story, a role traditionally not perceived as a woman's job.

Boori Ma's sleeping place

The space situated directly underneath the residents' letter boxes at the entrance of the building.

"Boori Ma's mouth is full of ashes"

A metaphor used by Mr. Chatterjee at the end of "A Real Durwan" implying that Boori Ma lies about her luxurious past.

The Dalals' washbasins

New fixtures installed in the communal stairwell that provoke growing class resentment and economic stratification among the building's residents.

Skeleton keys (A Real Durwan)

Belongings kept tied to the rim of Boori Ma's sari that are stolen at the Boss Bazaar, symbolizing the loss of her connection to her past identity and her remaining financial security.

Prickly heat (A Real Durwan)

A bodily sensation that Boori Ma complains of, in which she confuses physical skin irritation with the psychological stress and trauma of aging and displacement.

The stairs (A Real Durwan)

A central literary symbol representing the physical burden of Boori Ma's aging and her gradual descent down the social and economic ladder despite her continual efforts to sweep them.

Sheep's-hair quilt promise

The item Mrs. Dalal offers to bring Boori Ma from the market after observing her torn bedding, rather than replacement cleaning equipment.

Candy relics (When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine)

Foil-wrapped, fruit-shaped sweets presented to Lilia by Mr. Pirzada that she stores in a carved wooden box, creating a warm, respectful tone reflecting her deep gratitude and reverence.

Carved pumpkin incident

The moment during a news bulletin about fighting in East Pakistan when Mr. Pirzada's knife slips, creating a jagged gash that mirrors the inescapable intrusion of the war into their suburban home.

Pocket watch set to Dacca time

A personal item Mr. Pirzada checks every evening at dinner, symbolizing his deep psychological and emotional attachment to his family despite political upheaval.

Contrast of New England and Dacca

The juxtaposition of peaceful autumn leaves drifting across suburban lawns with television news showing tanks and refugees, functioning to heighten a mood of tension, dread, and isolation.

Plastic-wrapped furniture (Mrs. Sen's)

Rugs positioned as mats and coverings left over furniture that symbolize the Sens' sense of emotional detachment from their American living environment.

Reading the aerogram (Mrs. Sen's)

An episode in which Mrs. Sen recites a letter from India and appears disconnected from the room, underscoring the profound emotional distance and exile she experiences living in America.

Narrative voice through Eliot (Mrs. Sen's)

An unnamed third-person limited perspective that highlights Eliot's observations concerning his mother's emotional distance and personal insecurity.

Sources of Mrs. Sen's happiness

The two specific things that bring joy to Mrs. Sen: letters arriving from her family in India and fresh fish obtained from the market.

Supermarket index card (Mrs. Sen's)

The bulletin board advertisement where Eliot's mother first finds Mrs. Sen's contact information to arrange babysitting at Mrs. Sen's home.

Mr. Sen's attitude toward Mrs. Sen

A demeanor characterized as patient and understanding, even as he writes a check and apologizes on her behalf while she weeps in the bedroom.