"Interpreter of Maladies" is structured and titled around the central conflict: Mrs. Das no longer loves Mr. Das. Their young love seems timeless, as young love often does. Come to find out, Mrs. Das no longer loves her husband in such a way as before; she considers this a malady, or an ailment. At first, Mrs. Das seems simply curious about Mr. Kapasi's "romantic" job as an interpreter, asking him questions about the different ailments like sore throats. Mr. Kapasi finds her interest pleasing and intriguing which in turn makes him want to get to know Mrs. Das better. Mrs. Das however has another motive in mind. As soon as the two are alone, she spills her secrets about lost love and adultery to Mr. Kapasi, expecting him to naturally be able to interpret her "malady" and give her a way to feel better about her life. The title of the short story hints at Mr. Kapasi's occupation outside of being a tour guide, not his mystical powers to cure psychological "ailments."
The story is set up in such a way that when one reads, they see the day trip through Mr. Kapasi's fantasies about Mrs. Das, suggesting the romantic connection is reciprocated. Disappointment sets in once the realization surfaces that Mrs. Das views Mr. Kapasi as a parent, and later irony plays a role as Mrs. Das seeks advice about her life absent of love from a man who has been lusting over her the whole day.
No comments:
Post a Comment