Interpreter of Maladies Papers & Assignment Topics

Essay Topics/Writing Assignments

These 20 essay questions can be used as essay questions on a test, or as stand-alone essay topics for a take-home or in-class writing assignment. Students should have a full understanding of the text in order to answer these questions. They ask for a thorough analysis of the text.

1. Discuss how the "telling game" was used to further both the plot and the themes of "A Temporary Matter."

2. How is the baby in "A Temporary Matter" a metaphor for the marriage of Shoba and Shukumar?

3. What commentary on American life is Lahiri making through the plots and characters of her collection of stories?

4. Feeling like an outsider is a recurring theme in the stories. Discuss this theme and how is shown using aspects of three or more of the stories in The Interpreter of Maladies.

5. Many of the...
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