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Understanding the Irony and Meaning in Interpreter

Lahiri uses third-person limited POV in Interpreter of Maladies to highlight irony and miscommunication through Mr. Kapasi’s view, revealing emotional distance and hidden truths in relationships.

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    Giavanna Vitali AP Literature 5/17.-23 In the "Interpreter of Maladies' 1 Jhumpa Lahiris point of view helps contribute to the story’s irony and meaning. Through a third person point of view told by a single narrator, this allows the readers to see the world through Mr. Kapsi perspective. Through this the author helps create irony, which highlights the characters contrasting beliefs and expectations. Lahiri gives commentary on the complex of human relationships. The readers are allowed to look at the bigger picture of the story and figure out each character. The author uses third person point of view to show Mr. Kapasis emotions and thoughts inside his mind, showing us into his perspective. The narrator’s voice is disconnected, which shows an objective for events while allowing to understand Mr. Kapasi confusion. When Kapasi is first introduced to Mrs. Das Lahin says he is, "amused by the irony", that he should be taking the Das family to the Sun Temple which is where they will find spiritual healing. This contrast between Mr. Kapasi's job and the situation in which he finds himself to draw the Eton's theme of communication. Irony is shown through the contrast between the characters and what happens, this contrast is obvious in the character of Mrs. Das. Mrs. Das presents herself as the "mother of three and wife to a successful executive" but is soon to be an emotionally unconnected person. The irony of Mrs. Das character is shown through Mr. Kapasi perspective and showing the contrast between her public front and her struggles. When Mrs. Das shows that her son Bobby's sickness is the result of her being unfaithful. Mr. Kapasi shows that she appears to be looking for "absolution" from him. This piece brings to light the contrast between Mrs. Das public vs Mrs.

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