Identity Unit: 4 (Lahiri)

"Interpreter of Maladies"
Jhumpa Lahiri

In this story, Mr. Kapasi, working as a tour guide, struggles with the idea of his other occupation: interpreting the many languages of India for a young doctor.  Specifically, Mr. Kapasi's internal conflict comes in the form of desiring a role that offers more returns.

First of all, Mr. Kapasi seemed to be unsatisfied with having to work as an interpreter in a doctor's office. As a child studying the languages of Western Europe, Mr. Kapasi envisioned a life of serving as mediator between conflicting parties.  Travelling the world and knowing the magnitude of his accomplishments enticed him the most.  Mr. Kapasi's dreams were noted by stating, "He had dreamed of being an interpreter for diplomats and dignitaries, resolving conflicts between people and nations, settling disputes of which he alone could understand both sides" (Lahiri).  After life got in the way of his aspirations, the desire to offer solutions vanished.  In the doctor's office, he could not offer solutions to the patients; he could only relay the problems and prescriptions.  However, until he met the Das family, he could not accept his role as interpreter rather than mediator.

Like in his early life, Mr. Kapasi developed ambitious dreams regarding Mrs. Das.  He would be able to entertain her with stories and save her from her unhappy life.  Unfortunately, Mrs. Das had a problem Mr. Kapasi could not remedy;  because of her crushing guilt resulting from conceiving one of her sons with another man, Mrs. Das sought a solution from Mr. Kapasi.  He could do nothing but suggest that she tell the truth.  When she disregarded this suggestion, Mr. Kapasi could do nothing for her.

With the escaping address paper, Mr. Kapasi had to let go the delusion that he could be the source of cures.  In his failure with Mrs. Das, Mr. Kapasi had to accept that his role in life as a bridge to the destination rather than the destination.