Interpreter of Maladies Chapters 1-3 Quiz

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.