The central conflict in Jhumpa Lahiri's short story "Interpreter of Maladies" revolves around the disconnection between Mr. Kapasi, a tour guide, and the Das family, Indian Americans visiting India. The conflict is primarily emotional and cultural, as Mr. Kapasi becomes infatuated with Mrs. Das and hopes to find a deeper connection with her, while the Das family, particularly Mrs. Das, grapples with their own familial and personal issues.
The story ends without a clear resolution to this conflict. Mr. Kapasi's romanticized vision of Mrs. Das is shattered when she reveals a secret about her marital infidelity and views him merely as a potential confidant or therapist, not as a romantic interest. This revelation creates a new sense of distance between them, and the story ends with Mr. Kapasi watching the Das family walk away, leaving the conflict unresolved.
Moreover, the personal and cultural dissonance within the Das family remains unresolved. Their visit to India does not bring them closer to their cultural roots, nor does it seem to mend the fractures within their relationships. The story's ending, with the piece of paper containing Mr. Kapasi's address floating away, symbolizes this lack of resolution and the continued disconnection between the characters.
The AI-generated response is accurate but focuses on more than the central conflict. The below response explains why the dispute is not resolved at the end of the story:
No, the central conflict in "Interpreter of Maladies" is not definitively resolved. Here's why:
- Mr. Kapasi's Loneliness: He seeks connection but remains isolated. While he might appreciate his family more after the trip, his core issue isn't addressed.
- The Das Family's Struggles: Their marital issues, cultural disconnect, and son's illness are left unresolved. The glimpse into their problems offers no clear path forward.
- Misunderstandings and Deception: Mr. Kapasi's attraction
to Mrs. Das and her withholding information about her husband create a layer of
dishonesty that isn't rectified.
The story ends with a sense of inconclusiveness, reflecting the complexities of life. Characters gain some self-awareness, but their problems remain. This ambiguity is crucial to the story's impact, prompting readers to contemplate the characters' situations and lingering conflicts.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.