Jhumpa Lahiri's labyrinthine anthology, "Interpreter of Maladies," is an exposition of the plight of Indians and Indian-Americans and their interactions with each other, with society and their environment. The complexity of her tales is attributed to Lahiri's efforts in forming meticulous character profiles, enhanced by the distinct approaches her protagonists employ to deal with their afflicted "diseases." In hindsight, it seems that the failure to overcome these adversities is related to the absence of strong relationships, but Lahiri also points out that this is not always the case; Even the strongest relationship may fail to overcome some obstacles in life. Additionally, he explains that resilient connections help, but are not essential to achieving success. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Boori Ma's despondent fate can be attributed to her lack of strong relationships in 'Calcutta'. Since being “separated from her husband and four daughters,” she has participated in a few vague associations with the “residents” of the dilapidated apartment block that served as “a real durwan,” standing “guard between them and the outside world.” ' Her detachment from her fellow citizens is accentuated by the fact that on 'certain' occasions when she was invited into their homes, she knew 'not to sit on the furniture' and instead crouched 'in doorways and corridors', despised even as a guest. This meager display of hospitality and appreciation is not as unconditional as it would be in genuine affiliations, as they "throw her out" the first time she fails to perform her supposed voluntary duty and instantly "start the search" to replace her. Despite being a relatively close beneficiary of the Dalals' sympathy and kindness who promise her "a new bed, quilts, a pillow [and] a blanket", they ultimately fail to stand up for her at a time when she needs it most, and as a result she is left alone. Likewise, the ephemeral and unsuccessful relationship between "twenty-two-year-old" Miranda and temporary lover Dev and their failure to achieve "eternal... love" is associated with the unstable factors on which it was built from the beginning: lust, lies and superficiality. The latter is outlined at the location of their initial meeting at "Filene's", a cosmetics department whose ultimate purpose is to beautify, and is followed by Dev's description of Miranda as "sexy", meaning "loving someone who doesn't you know". Miranda then realizes that she is nothing more than a "lover" as Dev only loves her on the surface, thus solidifying Lahiri's argument that failure is the result of weak business. Mala and her husband's successful assimilation into America can be attributed to the strength of their marriage. They seek "comfort in each other's arms" and have each other to confide in. "It was Mala who consoled" her husband when he discovered "Mrs. Croft's" obituary in the "Globe" one evening, demonstrating their ardent display of support in overcoming the "illnesses" that befall them in life. Likewise, the strength of the bond between a previously gratified couple, Shoba and Shukumar, allows them to finally overcome the overwhelming grief that has driven them apart since their “baby was stillborn.” Shukumar remembers his wife “holding [his] long fingers.” united with her […] at the party” she had surprised him with, symbolizing their former unity Lahiri suggests that they can rediscover this love through joint activities, evident from her inclusion of images of “melting snow” outside. reflects the distance between Shoba and Shukumar that dissolves as a result of sharing meals, communicating and sharing.
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