Throughout the collection of short stories, Interpreter of Maladies, by Jhumpa Lahiri, many characters have varying levels of success assimilating and accepting American customs. People face adapting to new cultures in various ways, which is reflected in the short stories “Mrs. Sen’s” and “When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine”, as Mrs. Sen completely isolates herself from society and is unwilling to change her routine to work in America, opposed to Lilia’s family, that views their new home as a safe place with endless opportunities.
Mrs. Sen is unwilling to modify her lifestyle so that it works in in America. She does not need to let go of her former lifestyle, just make it sufficient for American culture. During the short story, she makes many references…
Pirzada Came To Dine” view their life in America very differently than Mrs. Sen, and they take advantage of the fact that America has opportunities and is very safe. Lilia parents believes that America is a place with ‘every opportunity’. Lilia says, “In her estimation, I knew, I was assured a safe life, an easy life, a fine education, every opportunity. I would never have to eat rationed food, or obey curfews, or watch riots from my rooftop, or hide neighbors in water tanks to prevent them from being shot, as she and my father had” (26). Lilia’s family is very successful in moving to America so that Lilia could receive proper school and opportunities. She now has the ability to become educated and get a job, which would have been very difficult in India with all of the safety threats. In India, her parents were forced to “watch riots…hide neighbors in water tanks to prevent them from being shot” (26). Lilia does not have to worry about her safety or rationed food, and she will be able to focus on other parts of her life, like school. Lilia’s mother is thinking about all of the obstacles that Lilia would face in school, and she expresses, “Imagine having to place her in a decent school. Imagine her having to read during power failures by the light of kerosene lamps. Imagine the pressures, the tutors, the constant exams” (26). Lilia’s parents are anticipating Lilia’s progress through school and all of the things that she will accomplish. Furthermore, Lilia’s parents believe that Lilia will receive proper schooling and safety as a result of living in America. Their family came to America because they believed that it held more opportunities and is safer than…
