Introduction
Marriage is a complex and multifaceted institution that has been the subject of countless stories and literary works. Many authors have explored the connection between spouses and how it can shape and impact their lives. Jhumpa Lahiri and Kate Chopin are authors who explore marriage and the bonds between spouses in their works, “The Interpreter of Maladies” and “The Story of an Hour.”
Although the accounts occur at various times and in different settings, they both offer insight into the intricacies of marriage and its impact on those involved. This essay will examine the relationship between husband and wife in these two stories, highlighting their similarities and contrasts to gain a deeper understanding of the themes and ideas explored by the creators. Thus, readers can develop a deeper appreciation for the power and impact of marriage and how it can profoundly influence lives and relationships.
Relationships Between Wife and Husband in the Short Stories
Jhumpa Lahiri’s Story
In “The Interpreter of Maladies,” the connection between Mr. and Mrs. Das is depicted as distant and unfulfilling. The couple is traveling in India with their children, and despite being in a delightful and extraordinary setting, they are unable to connect emotionally (Sahu 61). Mrs. Das is battling her disillusionment and misery and cannot discuss it with her husband (Lahiri 45). Mr. Das, then again, is depicted as a distant and uninvolved husband who invests the vast majority of his energy in taking pictures and not engaging with his loved ones (Lahiri 51). The couple’s absence of correspondence and close-to-home distance at last prompts Mrs. Das’s unfaithfulness and their marriage breakdown.
Kate Chopin’s Story
Interestingly, “The Story of an Hour” portrays a stifling and oppressive marriage. Mrs. Mallard is initially depicted as a devoted and faithful wife; however, she experiences an unexpected and extreme surge of emotion and happiness upon learning of her husband’s death (Chopin 1). This suggests that her marriage was harsh and that she was unhappy in her role as a wife (Paudel 98). Once more, in any case, the story also suggests that her feelings of happiness are fleeting, as her husband becomes perfectly healthy, and her time is taken away from her.
Comparison
Despite the distinctions in the connections depicted in these accounts, both “The Interpreter of Maladies” and “The Story of an Hour” investigate the theme of marriage and the connection between husband and wife. They both suggest that marriage can be a wellspring of despondency and limitation for women, and that they might feel trapped and vulnerable within these relationships (Paudel 98). The narratives represent the intricacy of the elements within a marriage and how they can shape and impact the lives of those involved (Sahu 62). The two authors utilize their narratives to examine conventional marriage roles and the cultural expectations placed on women within the institution of marriage.
Besides, the two stories show the intricacies of the elements inside a marriage. In “The Interpreter of Maladies,” the connection between Mr. and Mrs. Das is confounded by their social and ethnic contrasts. They battle to convey successfully, and their lack of understanding and association finally prompts a breakdown in their relationship (Lahiri 65). Essentially, in “The Story of an Hour,” the connection between Mrs. Mallard and her husband is portrayed by an absence of close association and shared understanding (Chopin 3). The story suggests their relationship depended on cultural assumptions rather than certifiable love and fondness.
The writers utilize their narratives to scrutinize conventional gender roles and the cultural assumptions put on wives within the foundation of marriage (Sahu 64). The two stories propose that women are often expected to satisfy specific roles within a marriage, for example, being an obedient wife and mother, and that these assumptions can be restricting and severe (Paudel 97). By portraying the unfortunate results of these cultural assumptions, the two writers challenge characters to examine the standards and values that influence our perception of gender and connections.
Conclusion
Overall, Jhumpa Lahiri’s “The Interpreter of Maladies” and Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour” explore the theme of marriage and the dynamics between spouses. While the connections depicted in these accounts are unique, they both offer an understanding of the intricacies of marriage and its effect on the existences of those involved. The two stories challenge traditional marriage roles and feature women’s limitations in the marriage organization. Through their works, the writers evaluate cultural assumptions and urge them to scrutinize the standards and values that shape our understanding of marriage and connections. Thus, these accounts act as a wake-up call about the power and impact of marriage and the importance of understanding the intricacies of the connections people form throughout their lives.
Works Cited
Chopin, Kate. The Story of an Hour: Short Story. Harper Collins, 2014.
Lahiri, Jhumpa. Interpreter of Maladies: Stories. HarperCollins UK, 2000.
Paudel, Kishor. “Existential Angst in Kate Chopin’s the Story of an Hour.” NCC Journal, vol. 4, no. 1, 2019, pp. 97–99.
Sahu, Padmini. “Merging Identities: A Study of Jhumpa Lahiri’s Interpreter of Maladies.” The Creative Launcher, vol. 6, no. 3, 2021, pp. 60–65.