In Jhumpa Lahiri's "Interpreter of Maladies," several key symbols enrich the narrative, representing deeper themes and character dynamics. These include the Hanuman Monkeys, The Camera, and The Sun Temple. Each symbol contributes to understanding the underlying tensions and relationships within the stories, particularly concerning the Das family.
The primary symbols found within "Interpreter of Maladies" are detailed below:
Symbol | Significance/Role |
---|---|
Hanuman Monkeys | Represent the dangers and threats that loom over the Das family, often as a consequence of Mr. Das's and Mrs. Das's actions or the state of their relationship. |
The Camera | Mr. Das's expensive camera, equipped with a telephoto lens, signifies an object of personal importance to him, often linked to his perception and detachment. |
The Sun Temple | A prominent tourist site in India that serves as a significant backdrop for certain events, highlighting themes of tourism, cultural interaction, and observation. |
Hanuman Monkeys
Throughout the collection, the presence of Hanuman Monkeys serves as a potent symbol of danger and the lurking threats that confront the Das family. These monkeys embody the potential for chaos and the unsettling consequences that stem from the choices and dynamics between Mr. Das and Mrs. Das. Their actions often reflect the underlying instability and vulnerabilities within the family unit, making them a recurring motif of externalized risk.
The Camera
The Camera, specifically the expensive one with a telephoto lens owned by Mr. Das, stands out as a significant object. While its exact symbolic meaning can be multifaceted, the reference highlights its owner, Mr. Das, and its notable features (expensive, telephoto lens). This suggests its role in observation, perhaps a desire to capture or frame reality, or even a sense of detachment through the lens, aligning with Mr. Das's character traits.
The Sun Temple
The Sun Temple is identified as a key tourist site in India that features in the narratives. As a physical setting, it provides a backdrop for interactions and observations. Its nature as a popular tourist destination inherently brings themes of travel, cultural encounter, and the perception of a foreign land into focus. The events that unfold at or around the Sun Temple often underscore the family's journey and their experiences in India.