Plot 1
Plot 2
Background
Themes
Literary Elements
100
Where does Twinkle put the poster of Jesus and why?
Behind the door in her office because Sanjeev did not want to see it nor did he want anyone else to see it.
100
How does Twinkle defend her name? (page 151)
Twinkle says “Not really. There’s an actress in Bombay named Dimple Kapadia. She even has a sister named Simple” (151).
100
When is Jhumpa Lahiri's birthday?
July 11, 1967
100
Food: How does food bring Sanjeev and Twinkle together?
They are seated next to one another at a restaurant when they first meet (142). When Sanjeev first tells Twinkle he loves her she feeds him a piece of popcorn (147). Twinkle cooks a meal with vinegar for Sanjeev (142).
100
Find a simile on page 147.
"One tree on the lawn was still full of leaves, red and orange, like the tent in which he had married Twinkle" (147).
200
Describe Sanjeev's physical features. (page 140)
long eyelashes, average build, plump cheeks, and average height
200
What did Twinkle and the party guest find in the attic?
A solid silver bust of Christ
200
Where was Jhumpa Lahiri born and where was she raised?
Jhumpa Lahiri was born in London and raised in Rhode Island.
200
Religion and Culture: In what ways do Christianity and Hinduism and people of different cultures coexist without conflict? Use specific examples.
Sanjeev and Twinkle are Hindus, but they have Christian objects displayed around their house (137, 139,149, 157). At the housewarming there are people from different background that all get along (144).
200
What is ironic about the following quote from page 137? "No, we're not Christian. We're good little Hindus."
This is ironic because Twinkle is kissing the statue of Jesus.
300
What did the guests end up doing during the house warming party? Why?
The started looking looking for Catholic objects around the house because Twinkle told everyone of her numerous findings of Catholic objects.
300
Why was it a big deal that Twinkle used vinegar in the fish stew?
Because it was the same vinegar that Sanjeev wanted to throw away in the beginning of the story and also it shows that Twinkle is trying to be a good wife in the relationship.
300
Where did she receive her M.A. in English, M.F.A. in Creative Writing, M.A. in Comparative Literature, and a Ph.D. in Renaissance Studies?
Boston University
300
Conformity: How does Sanjeev conform? Use specific examples.
Sanjeev lets Twinkle keep the vinegar (136). Sanjeev lets Twinkle keep all the Christian paraphernalia (137,139,146,157). Sanjeev starts looking for a wife because his mom wants him to (148).
300
What is ironic about Sanjeev's action on page 157 and how what does it symbolize?
It is ironic that Sanjeev's final sacrifice is allowing Twinkle to display Jesus' bust on the mantle, because Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice. It symbolizes Sanjeev's sacrifice for his wife.
400
Who arranged Sanjeev and Twinkle's relationship? Where did Sanjeev and Twinkle first meet?
Sanjeev and Twinkle's parents arranged the relationship. They met at a sixteenth birthday party.
400
Where did Sanjeev and Twinkle live in when they first started dating?
Twinkle was a student at Stanford and Sanjeev lived in Connecticut.
400
What is Jhumpa Lahiri's real name? Do the best with pronunciation.
Nilanjana Sudeshna (or Svdeshna) Lahiri
400
Gender Dynamics: In India, women are seen as obedient to their husbands and loyal house wives. How does Twinkle break these boundaries? Use specific examples.
Twinkle doesn't throw away all the Christian paraphernalia like Sanjeev wants (137). Twinkle puts the poster in her office (139). Twinkle insults Sanjeev's music (140). Twinkle never does house work (141). Twinkle keeps the Virgin statue in the side yard (149). Twinkle went to get a manicure and a pedicure while Sanjeev did the rest of the house work (150). Twinkle is the entertainment of the party while Sanjeev refills drinks and serves food (151). Twinkle does not call for Sanjeev's assistance when everyone in the attic (154). Twinkle displays the Jesus bust on the mantle (156).
400
Why is it ironic that Sanjeev liked the fish stew Twinkle made?
Sanjeev wanted to throw away the vinegar (136,142).
500
What did Sanjeev do with Twinkle's cigarette ashes when she came to visit him?
Sanjeev saved the ashes until Twinkle came to visit again.
500
How did Sanjeev'e feelings for Twinkle change at the end of the story?
Sanjeev felt like "it was the same pang he used to feel before they were married" (156).
500
What award was Interpreter of Maladies awarded?
Pulitzer Prize
500
Gender Dynamics: How does Sanjeev feel the relationship change throughout the story? (when they are dating, when they are married, and the end of the story)
When they are dating Sanjeev feels like he really know Twinkle. Then after they are married he feels like he does not know who he is living with and even had regrets (146). At the end of the story Sanjeev has strong feeling for her again (156).
500
Find a metaphor on page 154.
"spreading waves of laughter" (154)
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