"Interpreter of Maladies"

“Interpreter of Maladies” by Jhumpa Lahiri

This short story provided an interesting perspective on American families. Mr. Kapasi noticed that the Das family looked Indian, but they dressed like foreigners. This detail provides information about American culture. America is the melting pot of the world, and it contains various nationalities. Also, Mr. Kapasi’s objective perspective on the behavior of the American family revealed insight into how American’s act.  He points out that American’s are concerned more about themselves than others. Also, he notices that they are on the go and rushing their whole life. For example, “At this Mrs. Das gave an impatient sigh, as if she had been traveling her whole life without pause,” (Lahiri, 150). On a positive note, Mr. Kapasi noticed the appreciation Americans have for hard working individuals. His job of being an interpreter is not valued in India; however, the Americans find the importance of his task because he helps save lives. The Das appeared ignorant and helpless when it came to their problems. For example, Mrs. Das took food to the second sight they went to even though Mr. Kapasi warned that food would provoke the monkeys to attack. The family was ignorant of their son being attacked by the monkeys; furthermore, not one family member rushed to help him when he was helpless and on the ground. The perspective on American families was very interesting in this short story, and it provided insight into how other cultures view America.