A Temporary Matter

by

Jhumpa Lahiri

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Darkness

Darkness symbolizes interpersonal comfort and communication without vulnerability. When Shoba and Shukumar’s electric company informs them that they will shut off their power each night from 8:00-9:00 to repair a fallen power line, the…

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Food

Food represents the former intimacy of Shukumar and Shoba’s marriage, and the nostalgia Shukumar feels for who Shoba used to be and the relationship they once had. Shukumar connects food to Shoba’s former preparedness…

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