Cultural differences play an important role as a barrier to understanding and communication. “Two Kinds” portrays the cultural differences between the mother and daughter. “After losing everything in China: her mother and father, her family home, her first husband, and two daughters, twin …show more content…
It is seen that the relationship between the mother and daughter is separated by culture and determination. Similarly, “When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine” portrays cultural differences. Lilia is born and brought up in America. She is unaware about the war between India and Pakistan and her cultural identity. After being told that Mr. Pirzada is not Indian, one night Lilia studies him “to try to figure out what made him different” (Lahiri 28). Unfamiliarity of culture can be seen since she was trying to figure out the difference. It appears as though Lilia is separated from her cultural roots. For example: “I had never prayed for anything before, had never been taught or told to” (Lahiri 32) shows that Lilia does not practice her religion or culture. Though, Lilia does show curiosity about the political issue happening between India and Pakistan. In the library, she finds a book “Pakistan: A Land and its People” and starts to read it when Mrs. Kenyon interrupts and tells her “Then I see no reason to consult it” (Lahiri 38) when asked if it is related to her report. The awareness of the war and her roots slowly start to grow in her as a form of