Written Exam: Jhumpa Lahiri \"A Temporary Matter\" PDF

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Written Exam: Jhumpa Lahiri "A Temporary Matter"...

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Light and Dark in “A Temporary Matter” Jhumpa Lahiri’s “A Temporary Matter” highlights the realism of a modern-day marriage through unique circumstances in which the couple is committed to sharing secrets with one another in order to reopen the communication about their marriage. Although, like marriage, nothing is simply done. Lahiri uses a metaphor that distinguishes between light, dark, truth, and lies in order to uncover Shoba and Shukumar’s most illuminating secrets; the exposure of these secrets enhances their relationship but ends the marriage. Lahiri’s clear and concise writing style alludes readers to a deeper danger within Shoba and Shukumar’s relationship from nearly the very first line. The notice regarding the loss of power that is to take place is written with clear and understandable language which immediately allows readers to understand that light and dark are going to play an important role throughout the piece. Then, Lahiri introduces Shoba by how she is dressed-- all in dark, neutral colors. She also adds that Shoba is dressed “like a woman she once claimed she would never resemble” (Lahiri). Similarly, Shoba is described as wearing cranberry lipstick and charcoal eyeliner-- both alluding to the theme of darkness once again. Shoba is only described using dark colors and short and precise language. This allows readers to understand, before Lahiri even mentions it, that Shoba is dealing with something dark in her life. Readers soon learn that the loss of her baby causes the depression that is clear about Shoba’s character. Shukumar reflects Shoba in the same way at the beginning of the story. While Lahiri refrains from describing Shukumar with color adjectives, he is introduced with the idea that he no longer leaves the house the way that Shoba does. Simultaneously, Lahiri mentions that Shukumar is unaware of the last time he brushed his teeth, indicating that also, something dark is

going on in Shukumar’s life as well. Shukumar, throughout the story, is uniquely focused on their marriage and how his actions are affecting his wife. On the other hand, Shoba seems to have a tunnel vision of concern for herself. Shoba follows the unwritten and traditional rules of being a wife to Shukumar, like reminding him about a dentist appointment, but seems to lack participation in their marriage both internally and externally. Simultaneously, Shoba has a facade that shields the understanding of someone from the outside from knowing her truth. Shukumar describes Shoba as someone who is up early, drinking many cups of coffee, working hard, and utilizing bright colored pencils in her work. These bright colors represent the way her work is a sense of joy or distraction from everything she truly feels. But, the contrast between light and dark becomes most prevalent when the lights go out. When Shoba and Shukumar’s neighborhood becomes dark every night, their secrets begin to illuminate the house. While lighting candles and eating meals, Shoba and Shukumar play a game that allows one another to share parts of their lives with one another which ultimately reminds them of their initial feelings for the other. In this time, the light is dimmed but everything about them becomes brighter. When the truth comes out, they both begin to feel a sense of hope and excitement to continue sharing. Shoba begins to come home from work earlier and participate more in Shukumar’s dinner routine. Shoba also dresses nicer and wears more makeup which is noticed by Shukumar. The secrets they tell in the dark allow them to feel brighter during the day as not only are they releasing important confessions but also feeling fulfilled once again. They have something to look forward to when the light becomes dark. Lahiri writes, “Something happened when the house was dark. They were able to talk to each other again” (Lahiri). Shoba and Shukumar’s lives were filled with such darkness as they were holding on to resentment towards one another following the darkest event that could happen to a

married couple. But, when faced with actual darkness, they found a way to make light regardless. In the end, the couple’s story is arguably sad but important to the realism of the piece. Shoba and Shukumar ultimately decide to end their marriage, but this is not necessarily a dark aspect of the story. In fact, there is a sense of relief at the ending in the idea that both Shoba and Shukumar have the ability to once again be happy. When the lights come back on, officially, the couple experiences both extreme happiness and sadness at the same time; which alludes to both an end and a beginning. Overall, Lahiri’s story focuses on how light and dark can have many meanings and how the realism of a marriage does not always come with a happy ending but the relief in full exposure is pivotal to feeling satisfied in one’s self.

Resources Lahiri Jhumpa. “A Temporary Matter”....