Pub. #4- Postmodernism

Postmodernism is expressed in the "Interpreter of Maladies" through the characters of Mrs. Das and Mr. Kapasi. When Mrs. Das relationship is not well, her behavior is affected, while Mr. Kapasi shields his emotions. Mr. Kapasi speaks openly about his relationship only after being asked. In reality, Mrs. Das and Mr. Kapasi are experiencing the same problems in marriage such as arguing and under appreciation. In postmodern relationships, people are eager to cheat on their spouse if the relationship is going awry. Mr. Kapasi said, “She had also used the word “romantic”. She did not behave in a romantic way toward her husband, and yet she had used the word to describe him. The signs he recognized from his own marriage were there the bickering, the indifference, the protracted silences” (Lahiri 342). Mr. Kapasi fell in love with Mrs. Das and misinterpreted her feelings toward him. “Her sudden interest in him, an interest she did not express in either her husband or her children was mildly intoxicating” (Lahiri 342). Love is addictive, once love enters your heart, the feeling does not end. Mrs. Das seems to not have a purpose in life. Even though Mrs. Das is younger than Mr. Kapasi, she talks about her husband in the past tense. The reality is her purpose is her husband, but can’t face the truth that she has kids now and her husband is changed. Every time Mrs. Das has a problem, her children is mentioned, which exemplifies her connection to a postmodern society. While Mr. Kapasi’s purpose in life is love because he feels detached from the world around him. A perfect example of postmodernism in the short story, the "Interpreter of Maladies" is Mrs. Das. The little girl stuck out a hand. “Mine too. Mommy, do mine too.” “Leave me alone, Mrs. Das said, blowing on her nail and turning her body slightly. You’re messing me up” (Lahiri 338). Mrs. Das chooses not to bond with her daughter, Tina, then blames Tina for the outcome of her nails. In a postmodern society, parents rarely spend time with their kids, and are confined with their own problems.