Interpreter of Maladies

by Jhumpa Lahiri

Interpreter of Maladies: Style 1 key example

Style
Explanation and Analysis:

Lahiri’s writing style in “Interpreter of Maladies” is primarily straightforward and sparse. Though she has the narrator stay close to Mr. Kapasi’s perspective, channeling his feelings and thoughts, she almost never uses poetic or emotional language and, instead, describes Mr. Kapasi’s inner and outer worlds in direct and simple ways. Lahiri’s most lyrical moments are when she uses imagery to bring readers into a given scene, describing in detail the characters’ appearances, as well as the setting.