An Analysis of the Small Details in the Novel A Temporary Matter by Jhumpa Lahiri Essay

A persons life revolves around the little thingsa moment of silence, a time filled with laughter, a period of hope. It is this theme that is conveyed in Jhumpa Lahiris short story, A Temporary Matter. Through the selected passage, the reader connects with the theme Life is too short life is a temporary matter. This theme is supported through three elements in the passage the title, the baby and the concept of leaving. Each of these facets is seen through the use of the literary elements of metaphor, irony and foreshadow. A Temporary Matter follows the deterioration of a marriage. This journey happens over a period of one week where Shukumar hopes that he and his wife, Shoba, will rekindle their love. The passage that is to be analyzed is reflective of a time in their marriage that is distilled and almost frozen to the reader. However, this passage emphasizes the importance of the theme in this short story, through the inclusiveness of the three key aforementioned literary elements.The title of this short story, A Temporary Matter, is a metaphor for life and, in particular, the life of the married couple Shukumar and Shoba. While the title is a metaphor for life, it also foreshadows the past and present relationship between Shukumar and Shoba. Specifically, it highlights how their marriage was, and always will be, a temporary matter. The title of this work is also ironic. This is demonstrated through its questioning of a fundamental value in societythat life and marriage is full of happiness and an asset that is worthy of celebration. This convention is challenged through the title and presents a contrary view of marriage namely, that from the outset it is temporary and doomed to failure. While this may be an increasingly typical feature of marriage in a contemporary sense, it is rarely a view that is taken into the relationship by consenting couples. Lahiri also explores the idea that life is...

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