Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who is the author?
Who is the author?
Jhumpa Lahiri
What gifts did Mr. Pirzada bring for Lilia?
What gifts did Mr. Pirzada bring for Lilia?
Candy
Why does Mr. Pirzada keep two watches?
Why does Mr. Pirzada keep two watches?
One watch shows New England time, and the other shows the local time in Dacca.
How does Lilia's father explain that Mr. Pirzada is not Indian?
How does Lilia's father explain that Mr. Pirzada is not Indian?
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What is Dacca?
What is Dacca?
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What event led to India declaring war on Pakistan?
What event led to India declaring war on Pakistan?
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What did Mr. Pirzada do every night at Lilia's house?
What did Mr. Pirzada do every night at Lilia's house?
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What happened while Mr. Pirzada was carving the Jack O'Lantern?
What happened while Mr. Pirzada was carving the Jack O'Lantern?
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Why did Mr. Pirzada travel back to Dacca?
Why did Mr. Pirzada travel back to Dacca?
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Why did Lilia throw the candies away at the end of the story?
Why did Lilia throw the candies away at the end of the story?
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Study Notes
Author
- Jhumpa Lahiri is the author of "When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine."
Gifts from Mr. Pirzada
- Mr. Pirzada brings candy for Lilia as a thoughtful gesture.
Mr. Pirzada's Watches
- He wears one watch for New England time and keeps another watch for Dacca time, which helps him stay connected to his family during meals.
Explanation of Mr. Pirzada's Identity
- Mr. Pirzada is Bengali from East Pakistan, a result of the 1947 Partition that separated India into Hindu and Muslim regions.
Setting of Dacca
- Dacca, now the capital of Bangladesh, was part of Eastern Pakistan during this time and was experiencing civil war while Mr. Pirzada's family lived there.
War Context
- India and Pakistan engaged in war, leading to the Pakistani army's surrender within 12 days in Dacca.
News Watching Ritual
- Lilia's family would gather for dinner while watching national news, hoping to get updates on Mr. Pirzada's family in Dacca.
The Jack O'Lantern Incident
- While carving a Jack O'Lantern for Halloween, Mr. Pirzada was distracted by the news, resulting in him accidentally damaging the pumpkin, which later was found smashed in the yard.
Mr. Pirzada's Return to Dacca
- After the war, he returned to Dacca a month later to check on his home and later sent a postcard to Lilia's family, indicating he was safe and had reunited with his family.
Lilia's Candy Ritual
- Lilia threw away the candies she had been eating in prayer for Mr. Pirzada and his family after receiving his postcard, marking a shift in her need for that ritual.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Jhumpa Lahiri's poignant story, 'When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine.' This quiz covers key themes, characters, and historical context, including Mr. Pirzada's dual identity and the significance of the setting. Explore the connections between personal relationships and larger socio-political events.
