Interpreter of Maladies | Characters & Character Analysis

Interpreter of Maladies Characters

Shoba in "A Temporary Matter"

Shoba is a thirty-three year old Indian-born female married to Shukumar. She works in downtown Boston as a textbook editor. Six months earlier in September, she expected to deliver her first baby. Prior to and during her pregnancy Shoba behaves like a traditional Indian housewife. She maintains an organized, prepared and well-stocked home, kitchen and pantry. Through her pregnancy she keeps an active and engaged lifestyle with her husband. Despite her employment in the publishing business she resolves to avoid being caught up in its pressures. Her focus is on home, family and friends. She is always ready to welcome and entertain unexpected company.

Birth by caesarean section of her still-born baby marks a distinct change in her life and behavior. She is no longer an expectant mother and is traumatized by the baby's death. Shoba is physically recuperated from the operation. She seems to be emotionally healed as well. Shoba is actively involved in increasingly more business projects and a regular schedule of working out at the gym. She leaves home early in the morning before her husband awakes. Shoba returns around eight in the evening to eat dinner alone while she works or does other things. Her weekends are spent working at home in areas away from her husband. After the baby's death Shoba becomes fully caught up in her career. Shukumar in "A Temporary Matter"

Shukumar is the thirty-five year old husband of Shoba. He is six feet tall and has large hands. He is reluctant to attend an academic conference out of town when she is due in three weeks. Shoba reassures him she is okay and can call him...
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