The Das family is a unique family. There are secrets hidden in Mr. and Mrs. Das’ marriage. Mr. Das can’t see that his wife isn’t happy and Mrs. Das doesn’t see how her mistakes are taking over her life. There are many symbols in Jhumpa Lahiri’s story the Interpreter of Maladies although two symbols that stand out are Mr. Das’ camera and Mrs. Das’ puffed rice. Mr. Das’ camera symbolizes the inability to see the world clearly. While looking through the camera lens Mr. Das is seeing reality through his camera. Since he is always looking through his camera he misses out on the world around him because he is too focused on taking pictures. Throughout the story Mr. Das never realizes how unhappy his wife is with him. He tries to get a family Christmas
