Interpreter of Maladies Chapters 1-3 Quiz
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Questions and Answers

How long will the electricity be out?

five days, for one hour, beginning at 8 p.m.

Where do Shoba and Shukumar live?

in a 3 bedroom house on a quiet, tree-lined street within walking distance from a row of brick-faced stores and a trolley stop.

How old is Shoba?

33

Where has Shoba been that she looks so disheveled?

<p>the gym</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does Shukumar work?

<p>at home</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the friend give Shoba as a Christmas gift?

<p>a calendar of William Morris wallpaper patterns</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where was Shukumar when Shoba gave birth?

<p>an academic conference in Baltimore</p> Signup and view all the answers

How old is Shukumar?

<p>35</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is wrong with the baby?

<p>it is born dead because Shoba's placenta weakened and they didn't do the c-section fast enough</p> Signup and view all the answers

How has the baby's death changed Shukumar?

<p>he is lazy and lies in bed all day</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Shukumar prepare for dinner?

<p>rogan josh (lamb stew)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of person is Shoba according to Shukumar?

<p>a person who always prepares for surprises, good and bad</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe Shoba's physical appearance.

<p>tall, broad shoulders, slender nose, masculine jawline</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would the couple do every Saturday?

<p>go through the maze of stalls at the market to buy groceries</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is special about Shoba's cookbook?

<p>each recipe was dated, telling the first time they ate the dish together</p> Signup and view all the answers

What had haunted Shoba?

<p>the nursery that was for the baby</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Shoba do for Shukumar's birthday last May?

<p>she threw him a surprise birthday party</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe Shoba's mother.

<p>in Arizona, religious, polite but not friendly</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe Shukumar's parents.

<p>in New Hampshire, went to India without him</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Shoba's first secret?

<p>she looked in Shukumar's address book to see if he had written her in when she was alone in his apartment</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Shoba and Shukumar meet?

<p>they sat next to each other at a lecture hall in Cambridge and Shukumar saw Shoba, looking beautiful</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Shukumar's first secret?

<p>he forgot to tip the waiter so he went all the way back to do so</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who are Shoba and Shukumar's neighbors?

<p>the Bradfords</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Shoba's second secret?

<p>that she went out with her friend to drink martinis when Shukumar's mother came to visit</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is Gillian?

<p>Shoba's friend who drove her to the hospital and had martinis</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Shukumar's second secret?

<p>he cheated on his oriental civilization exam in college</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Shukumar's third secret?

<p>he didn't actually lose the sweater-vest that Shoba bought him for their wedding anniversary; he just didn't like it</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Shoba's third secret?

<p>after a lecture, she let Shukumar speak to the chairman of the department without telling him that there was some pate on his chin</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Shukumar's fourth secret?

<p>that he ripped out a picture of a fashion model in a magazine</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Shoba's fourth secret?

<p>she never liked any of the poems that Shukumar published</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the couple do on the third night?

<p>sat together on the sofa after dinner and Shukumar kissed Shoba awkwardly on the forehead and her face when it was dark</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happened on the fourth night?

<p>they 'made love' and whispered to each other</p> Signup and view all the answers

What news do they receive on the morning of the fifth night?

<p>that the line had been repaired ahead of schedule by the electric company</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do they eat on the fifth night?

<p>shrimp malai and wine</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Shoba's final secret?

<p>that she has been looking for a new apartment and found one (that she's moving out)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Shukumar's final secret?

<p>he reveals that the baby was a boy</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the couple see out the window in the last scene?

<p>the Bradfords, walking arm in arm</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the last thing that the couple do together?

<p>weep at the dining table</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where is Mr. Pirzada from?

<p>Dacca, Pakistan (he is Muslim)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Mr. Pirzada have in Dacca?

<p>a three-story home, a lectureship in botany at a university, a wife of 20 years, 7 daughters</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Pirzada do every week?

<p>writes letters to his wife and sends comic books to his daughters</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is Mr. Pirzada in America for the year?

<p>he had been awarded with a grant from the Pakistani government to study foliage and came to a university near Boston to write a short book about his findings</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mr. Pirzada come to Lilia's house for dinner?

<p>because he doesn't have a stove or TV, so he comes over to have dinner and watch the evening news</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Lilia's family find Mr. Pirzada?

<p>her parents looked for Indian last names in the university directory</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Lilia's father tell her about Mr. Pirzada?

<p>that he is not Indian</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Lilia learning in school?

<p>American history, American geography, revolutionary war</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe Mr. Pirzada's physical appearance.

<p>wears a suit, tie, scarf, wide belly, good posture, gray hair, thick eyelashes, mustache, mole on left cheek</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Lilia's job when Mr. Pirzada comes?

<p>to hang his coat and to bring the water glasses to the table</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Pirzada bring for Lilia every night?

<p>candy</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does Lilia store the candy?

<p>a small sandalwood box</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where do they eat dinner?

<p>at the coffee table to have a better view of the TV</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Pirzada always do before he eats?

<p>he wound his plain silver watch 3 times</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between her parents and Mr. Pirzada according to Lilia?

<p>they had different religions and Mr. Pirzada had a silver watch when her parents didn't</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the news report about the situation in Pakistan affect Lilia?

<p>she can't eat anymore after seeing it and only steals glances at Mr. Pirzada; even after dinner, she thinks about Mr. Pirzada's family</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the news report about the situation in Pakistan affect Mr. Pirzada?

<p>he is not really affected and continues eating, making room on his plate for more rice</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why doesn't Lilia brush her teeth after eating chocolate?

<p>because she prayed while eating and she thinks that brushing the chocolate away would wash the prayer away also</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Lilia do at the library?

<p>she reads a book about Pakistan</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Mr. Pirzada curious about one day in October?

<p>pumpkins; he had never seen one before</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Lilia for Halloween?

<p>a witch</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of Lilia's friend?

<p>Dora</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Mr. Pirzada concerned about?

<p>Lilia going trick-or-treating; he offers to accompany them and worries about her getting lost</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Lilia regret telling Dora?

<p>that Mr. Pirzada's daughters are missing</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is different about Dora's house?

<p>they didn't watch TV, there was saxophone music playing on the stereo and her father was drinking wine while reading a magazine</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Lilia cry after returning home from trick-or-treating?

<p>because she finds her jack-o-lantern shattered on the grass</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the news of war between Pakistan and India affect Lilia's family?

<p>her dad no longer asked her to watch the news with him, her mom only served boiled eggs and rice, Mr. Pirzada stopped bringing her candy</p> Signup and view all the answers

When does Mr. Pirzada go back to Dacca?

<p>January</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Lilia's family receive months after Mr. Pirzada's departure?

<p>they receive a letter from him, saying that all is well</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Lilia do with the candy from Halloween?

<p>she eats one piece each night since January, but throws them away after receiving the letter</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are Mr. and Mrs. Das bickering about in the beginning?

<p>who will take Tina to the toilet</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many children do Mr. and Mrs. Das have?

<p>3; Tina, Ronny, Bobby</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first thing Mr. Kapasi notices about the couple?

<p>that they are very young, not even 30</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where is the Das family going?

<p>to the sun temple in Konarak</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which kid looks like Mr. Das?

<p>Ronny</p> Signup and view all the answers

How old is Mr. Kapasi?

<p>46</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe Mr. Kapasi's physical appearance.

<p>silver receding hair, butterscotch complexion, unlined brow, gray trousers, matching jacket-style shirt made of synthetic material</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Mr. Das refer to his wife in front of his child?

<p>by her first name (Mina)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe Mrs. Das's physical appearance.

<p>wore a skirt that stopped above her knees, slip on shoes with a heel, short, small hands like paws, slightly plump, short hair</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Mrs. Das eating?

<p>puffed rice with peanuts and chili peppers</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does the couple live?

<p>New Brunswick, NJ</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Mr. Das's occupation?

<p>a middle school science teacher</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do they see on the road?

<p>monkeys (hanuman)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Mrs. Das do in the car?

<p>she paints her nails and refuses to paint Tina's</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Mr. Kapasi know about driving in America?

<p>because he watches the TV show, Dallas</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is Mrs. Das complaining?

<p>because it is too hot and there is no AC</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mr. Das ask Mr. Kapasi to pull over?

<p>to take a picture of a homeless man on the street</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Mr. Kapasi's job during weekdays?

<p>he works in a doctor's office as a translator for Gujarati patients</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Mrs. Das think about Mr. Kapasi's job?

<p>she thinks that it is romantic</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Kapasi think of his job?

<p>he thinks that it is a 'thankless occupation' and found nothing noble in interpreting people's maladies; this job was a sign of his failings</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Mr. Kapasi's dream job?

<p>an interpreter for diplomats and dignitaries, resolving conflicts between people and nations</p> Signup and view all the answers

What has happened to Mr. Kapasi's 7-year-old son?

<p>he died of typhoid fever (this is also how he met the doctor he works for now)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where do the Das family and Mr. Kapasi take a picture together?

<p>at the restaurant they stopped at for lunch</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Kapasi fantasize about when Mrs. Das asks for his address?

<p>about growing closer to Mrs. Das; he would write stories about the patients to her, share info about their marriages, etc.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the temple.

<p>made of sandstone, massive, pyramid-like, shape of a chariot, 24 giant wheels on the sides of the plinths, 7 horses</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the wheels symbolize?

<p>the circle of life; creation, preservation, achievement of realization</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statue is Mr. Kapasi's favorite?

<p>the Astachala Surya, a sun god who sat beside a horse with a tired expression</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Mr. Kapasi prolong the time spent with Mrs. Das?

<p>he suggests going to the famous hills after the temple</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Bobby do that makes him 'brave'?

<p>he extends a stick to a monkey, without any fear</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is the real father of Bobby?

<p>Mrs. Das's from a London pharmaceutical company</p> Signup and view all the answers

How old is Mrs. Das?

<p>28</p> Signup and view all the answers

When does Mr. Kapasi start to realize that a relationship with Mrs. Das is not possible?

<p>when he realized that she thought of him as a parent</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

A Temporary Matter

  • Electricity outage lasts five days, occurring for one hour each night from 8 p.m.
  • Shoba and Shukumar live in a three-bedroom house on a quiet, tree-lined street, near stores and a trolley stop.
  • Shoba is 33 years old, while Shukumar is 35.
  • Shoba appears disheveled after returning from the gym.
  • Shukumar works from home, struggling with motivation post-tragedy.
  • Shoba received a Christmas gift of a calendar depicting William Morris wallpaper patterns.
  • Shukumar was attending an academic conference in Baltimore during Shoba's childbirth.
  • The couple experienced a stillbirth due to complications with Shoba's placenta.
  • Shukumar has become apathetic after the baby’s death, contrasting his previously diligent nature.
  • For dinner, Shukumar prepares rogan josh, a lamb stew.
  • Shoba is characterized by her preparedness for surprises, reflective of her meticulous nature.
  • She has a distinct physical appearance: tall with broad shoulders, a slender nose, and a masculine jawline.
  • Saturdays typically involve a ritual market trip for groceries together.
  • Shoba's cookbook contains recipe dates, marking the first time they ate each dish together.
  • The nursery for the baby haunts Shoba emotionally.
  • Shoba surprised Shukumar with a birthday party last May, indicating a previous closeness.
  • Shoba's mother is religious and polite but lacks warmth, residing in Arizona; Shukumar's parents live in New Hampshire and visited India without him.
  • Shoba’s first secret involves checking Shukumar's address book for her name.
  • Their meeting occurred at a Cambridge lecture hall, sparking an immediate attraction.
  • Shukumar's first secret: forgetting to tip a waiter, leading him to return after realizing the oversight.
  • The couple’s neighbors are the Bradfords, transparently noted.
  • Shoba’s second secret involves a night out drinking martinis during Shukumar's mother's visit.
  • Gillian is Shoba's friend who was present during the hospital visit.
  • Shukumar cheated in college, revealing a side of his character not previously shown.
  • He misled Shoba about losing a sweater-vest, which he disliked, showcasing his avoidance in honest communication.
  • Shoba’s similar secret highlights her omission of a detail about Shukumar's appearance.
  • On the third night, the couple shared a tender moment on the sofa post-dinner, sharing awkward kisses in the dark.
  • They became intimate on the fourth night, which served as a pivotal emotional connection.
  • On the fifth night, they learn the electricity will be restored earlier than expected.
  • Their meal includes shrimp malai and wine, symbolizing a return to normalcy.
  • Shoba's final secret reveals her plans to move out, suggesting underlying turmoil in their relationship.
  • Shukumar’s last secret about the baby’s gender – a boy – signifies unresolved grief.
  • The couple observes the Bradfords through their window, fostering a sense of estrangement.
  • They share a moment of sorrow at the dining table, indicating the depth of their emotional divide.

When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine

  • Mr. Pirzada is from Dacca, Pakistan, and is a Muslim.
  • He owned a three-story home in Dacca with a lecturing position in botany, family connections including a wife and seven daughters.
  • Weekly, he writes letters to his wife and sends comic books to his daughters while in America.
  • He is in the U.S. on a grant to study foliage at a Boston university, aiming to write a book on his findings.
  • Visits Lilia's family for dinner, as he lacks a stove and TV, utilizing their home for meals and news updates.
  • Lilia's parents found Mr. Pirzada through the university directory, showcasing their interest in cultural connections.
  • Lilia learns about American history and geography at school, a contrast to her family’s cultural ties.
  • Mr. Pirzada's appearance includes a suit and scarf, characterized by good posture and distinct physical traits.
  • Lilia’s role involves serving Mr. Pirzada during dinner, highlighting her childhood responsibilities.
  • He brings Lilia candy each night, stored in a sandalwood box, symbolizing their growing bond.
  • Dinner is held at the coffee table for better visibility of the TV, reinforcing familial routines.
  • Mr. Pirzada’s pre-dinner ritual involves winding his silver watch, adding a layer of personality.
  • Lilia perceives a cultural contrast between her and Mr. Pirzada's families, noting religious differences.
  • News related to Pakistan deeply affects Lilia, impacting her ability to eat while she reflects on Mr. Pirzada's family.
  • Lilia’s exploration of Pakistan through books reflects a desire to connect with Mr. Pirzada’s heritage.
  • As Halloween approaches, Mr. Pirzada expresses concern for Lilia's safety during trick-or-treating.
  • Conflict regarding missing daughters heightens Lilia’s emotional state, contrasting with her childhood experience.
  • Post-Halloween, news of war influences Lilia's family's behavior, leading to changes in traditions and routines.
  • After Mr. Pirzada leaves, the family receives a letter from him, offering reassurance amidst uncertainty.

Interpreter of Maladies

  • Mr. and Mrs. Das bicker about childcare responsibilities with their daughter, Tina.
  • The couple has three children: Tina, Ronny, and Bobby.
  • Mr. Kapasi, a 46-year-old tour guide, notes the young age of the Das family, suggesting a generational gap.
  • They are en route to the sun temple in Konarak, showcasing their cultural exploration.
  • Ronny, their son, resembles Mr. Das, hinting at familial traits.
  • Mrs. Das's portrayal includes modern attire and casual demeanor, presenting a contrast to traditional expectations.
  • Mr. Das is a middle school science teacher, reflecting educational themes in the narrative.
  • On the journey, they encounter monkeys, an interaction representing India’s wildlife vibrancy.
  • Mrs. Das engages in seemingly superficial activities, such as painting her nails, indicating her disconnection from the environment.
  • Mr. Kapasi’s knowledge of American driving stems from leisure activities, illustrating the influence of media on cultural perceptions.
  • The heat complaint by Mrs. Das points to their discomfort throughout the trip, symbolizing inner frustrations.
  • They stop to photograph a homeless man, highlighting societal contrasts amid their travels.
  • Mr. Kapasi translates for Gujarati patients during the week, revealing his mistaken romantic view of his job.
  • His dreams of being an interpreter for dignitaries diverge from his current reality, emphasizing feelings of inadequacy.
  • The tragedy of Mr. Kapasi losing his son to typhoid fever adds a personal depth to his character development.
  • Mr. Kapasi fantasizes about a deeper relationship with Mrs. Das as they share personal stories.
  • Description of the temple indicates its grandeur and significance in representing life cycles and spiritual beliefs.
  • Mr. Kapasi extends the outing with a suggestion to visit famous hills, showing his desire for connection.
  • Bobby's act of bravery with a monkey signifies childlike innocence contrasting with adult complexities.
  • The revelation of Bobby's true father leads to deeper tensions in Mrs. Das's character, emphasizing marital discord.
  • Mrs. Das is noted to be 28 years old, representing youthful perspectives amidst marital struggles.
  • Mr. Kapasi ultimately realizes a relationship with Mrs. Das is unlikely, marking the end of his personal aspirations.

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Test your knowledge of the first three chapters of 'Interpreter of Maladies' by Jhumpa Lahiri. This quiz covers key elements, such as character details and important plot points from the stories. Perfect for literary enthusiasts and students alike!

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