The present study is based on the analysis of diaspora and nostalgia experienced as the major theme by the characters of two selective stories such as, When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine and The Third and Final Continent in the short story collection “Interpreter of Maladies” by award winning Indian American author Jhumpa Lahiri. The paper begins with a brief introduction about diaspora, Jhumpa Lahiri and the book “Interpreter of Maladies” (published in 1999). The introduction is preceded by defining the two stories such as When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine and The Third and Final Continent as the short stories of major study of the paper. A short summary of the stories are given one after the other along with a sketch on the aspects such as diaspora,
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Pirzada came to dine” has an impact of homesickness, the raging civil war between Dacca and Pakistan and the selfless love and humanity among Indians all over the world. The story starts with young Lilia; born to Indian-American parents, remembering her past experiences at home, learning about the independence of India and meeting Mr. Pirzada. However, she has no memory of his first visit. Her parents were Indians from Calcutta and regularly looked for people with surnames familiar to their part of the world in the university directory. Through turning pages and letters they discovered Mr. Pirzada and invited him to their home. Eventually, Lilia was accustomed to his presence every night at home for dinner. They never had a direct conversation; she was more of a listener to her parents and Mr. Pirzada’s exchange of dialogues, never participating, just silently listening. Through their stories she came across the land of her ancestors, growing problems in India and Dacca fighting for freedom from the ruling regime in the west. Dacca was Mr. Pirzada’s homeland. He had a family of six daughters and a wife of twenty years. He had come to New England to study foliage which was sponsored by the government of Pakistan. Lilia was charmed by Mr. Pirzada’s broad elegance and flattered by his faint theatrics and gestures. Every night he used to get chocolates and mints for her. One night Lilia’s mother complained of him showering gifts on her and that it may spoil her to which he dramatically replies “I only spoil children who are incapable of spoiling” (WMPCTD 23). Lilia cherished each and every piece of chocolate given to her as a jewel and coveted in her sandalwood box. Another incident on the day of Halloween made Lilia cheer in delight as well as made her feel a bit awkward, when Mr. Pirzada suggested to accompany she and her classmate for trick-or-treating so that they feel secure and return home safely. She adored the personality of Mr. Pirzada and
Pirzada came to dine” has an impact of homesickness, the raging civil war between Dacca and Pakistan and the selfless love and humanity among Indians all over the world. The story starts with young Lilia; born to Indian-American parents, remembering her past experiences at home, learning about the independence of India and meeting Mr. Pirzada. However, she has no memory of his first visit. Her parents were Indians from Calcutta and regularly looked for people with surnames familiar to their part of the world in the university directory. Through turning pages and letters they discovered Mr. Pirzada and invited him to their home. Eventually, Lilia was accustomed to his presence every night at home for dinner. They never had a direct conversation; she was more of a listener to her parents and Mr. Pirzada’s exchange of dialogues, never participating, just silently listening. Through their stories she came across the land of her ancestors, growing problems in India and Dacca fighting for freedom from the ruling regime in the west. Dacca was Mr. Pirzada’s homeland. He had a family of six daughters and a wife of twenty years. He had come to New England to study foliage which was sponsored by the government of Pakistan. Lilia was charmed by Mr. Pirzada’s broad elegance and flattered by his faint theatrics and gestures. Every night he used to get chocolates and mints for her. One night Lilia’s mother complained of him showering gifts on her and that it may spoil her to which he dramatically replies “I only spoil children who are incapable of spoiling” (WMPCTD 23). Lilia cherished each and every piece of chocolate given to her as a jewel and coveted in her sandalwood box. Another incident on the day of Halloween made Lilia cheer in delight as well as made her feel a bit awkward, when Mr. Pirzada suggested to accompany she and her classmate for trick-or-treating so that they feel secure and return home safely. She adored the personality of Mr. Pirzada and