SSU THEME ANALYSIS ( Fear vs Violence)

     The theme of fear relates to “ Interpreter of Maladies” by Jhumpa Lahiri and “ Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway.  In "Hills Like White Elephants" fear is in the subtext within the characters' conversation and act. The short story firstly circulates around a discussion among a woman and a man  at a train station in Spain. "Fear" might not be mentioned in the story, its existence is perceived through the tensity and unease pervading the exchange. In "Interpreter of Maladies” by Jhumpa Lahiri's fear is shown as a theme that repeats, is complicated, and intertwines within the lives of her characters, giving their identities, connections , and awareness form.

One of the main concepts of fear in Mrs. Kapasi's life is the fear of close relationships and exposure. In the story "Interpreter of Maladies," Mrs. Kapasi continues  a discreet manner, disguising her inner thoughts and feelings from anyone who she gets surrounded with. This fear stems from the despondency and dissatisfaction that she has gone through in her marriage with Mr. Kapasi, as well as what haunts her from her past."It means that I’m tired of feeling so terrible all the time. Eight years, Mr. Kapasi, I’ve been in pain eight years. I was hoping you could help me feel better~; say the fight thing”  ( Lahiri page 27) As you can see she feels terrible about how she is feeling even though she fears to open up about her feelings. 

One of the central fears prospects in the story is the fear of overcoming tough decisions and the consequences that come after them. The couple is contemplating if they should or should not proceed with a possibly life-altering decision, which is an abortion. The emerging unpredictability of what is to come and the pressure of the resolution they face invoke feelings of fear and concern.  “ But I don't want you to," he said, "I don't care anything about it." I'll scream," the girl said” As you can see how they are talking to each other instead of talking calmly because they are stressed they are being really aggressive towards each other and nothing is getting solved. 

Mrs. Kapasi's character in "Interpreter of Maladies" incorporates the multifaceted nature of fear, surrounding themes of sensitivity, unfulfilled longing, and conventions. Throughout all of her experiences, Lahiri inspects the complication of people's  relationships and the directions in which fear forms our own insights and decisions . Overall, fear in "Interpreter of Maladies" is portrayed as an important force that forms the lives and connections of  the author characters. Whether it is the fear of separation, cultural displacement, or defeat, these fears take place within the general human experience, calling attention to the complications of specification, belonging, and relationships in a quickly changing world.