Decoding The Code in The Selected Stories Of Jhumpa Lahiri

Abstract

The study in the selected stories “A Temporary Matter,” “Sexy,” “Interpreter of Maladies” of Jhumpa Lahiri has tried to unveil modern women breaking the patriarchal code for their happiness and freedom. Woman are still controlled by certain moral code impose to them and labeled woman as good woman, bad woman, home maker, mistress. Patriarchy impose these label on woman based on their action and choices. So despite achieving equality modern woman are not as free as their man counter parts are. All these stories' female protagonists have violated sexual or moral code to achieve freedom, happiness or satisfaction which makes them a decoder.

In the stories, the prominent characters Shoba of “A Temporary Matter,” Miranda of “Sexy,” Mrs. Das of “Interpreter of Maladies” are indulged in breaking of societal code knowingly or unknowingly. They are all suffering certain kind of lack in their relationship. The only way to fill their lack of happiness was to decode the code of societal norms. When they broke long followed social code it made them more happy, relief and pleased. All of three stories have a protagonist woman who has broken the social code by their choice and are happy about it. Hence, any code good or bad if it cages women from pursuing what they want or desire, they will be decoded sooner or later is what the research has shown.