The Interpreter of Maladies

Olivia Wolff:
What irony is evident in this story? Name the kind of irony (dramatic, situational, verbal), if any.
           After deep contemplation and thought, our group has concluded that the loss of the slip of paper containing Mr. Kapasi's address carries the most irony as it floats through the breezy air. We also found it ironic that the Das family was not as perfect or as content as it had first appeared to Mr. Kapasi. Both of these cases of irony are examples of situational irony.

Emily Green:
Does the slip of paper have any significant symbolization to the story?
         The slip of paper symbolizes Mr. Kapasi's hope for a future relationship with Mrs. Das. After Mrs. Das explains her feelings reguarding her family and relationship with Mr. Das, Mr. Kapasi loses interest in Mrs. Das and she ironically loses the slip of paper.

Sarah Williamson:
What do you think makes Mr. Kapasi realize that the Das family isn't from India even though they obviously have some Indian heritage?
         Through being a tour guide, Mr. Kapasi has become well acquainted with American behavior. He recognizes the lack of respect between Mr. and Mrs. Das which the average Indian couple would have. Mr. and Mrs. Das fight over who has to take Tina to the restroom. This is a major signal to Mr. Kapasi that the Das family isn't from India. Mr. Kapasi sees the unhappiness and lack of respect within the Das family.

Style and Language:
One key element in this short story is the fact that it is written from a 3rd person point of view. This conveys the discrepency between what Mr. Kapasi and Mrs. Das think of each other. Mr. Kapasi sees the Das family as a happy family, and Mrs. Das sees Mr. Kapasi's vocation as one that is honorable. They do not see each other in the same way.