SSU THEME ANALYSIS

     The Effect of Human Imperfection

    Throughout the short story unit, the theme of human imperfection was very impactful. We can see this similar theme in pieces like The Birthmark by Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri. In these two stories, we see the impact of the theme of human imperfection and how the quest to a perfect life will lead to consequences. To continue, this theme can be portrayed through the characters of the two stories.

    In the story The Birthmark, the theme of human imperfection is shown through the character Aylmer not being able to accept imperfection. He was filled with the obsession to get rid of his wife Georgiana's birthmark, which was her imperfection. As Aylmer created this potion due to his inability to accept imperfection, he killed his wife in the process, all for nothing. One quote from the story stating "Blinded by the meaningless imperfection and an impossible goal. Aylmer had thrown away her life and with it his chance for happiness” (Hawthorne, 4) portrays his inability to accept things the way that it is. Furthermore, now he had to deal with the consequences of his wife's death because he was chasing perfection and tried altering nature.

     In the story Interpreter of Maladies, the theme of human imperfection is also portrayed. In the story, Mr. Kapasi had the flaw of misinterpretation regarding Mrs. Da's romantic intentions. Highlighting the imperfections of Mr. Kapasi he created fantasies of their relationship hoping that one day they will be together. A quote from Mrs. Das regarding Mr. Kapasi's job stating, “but so romantic” (Mrs. Das, 17) leading to Mr. Kapasi's misinterpretation of her intentions. With Mr. Kapasi's imperfection of being a person who misinterprets, he would say things like “But Mrs. Das was different. Unlike the other woman” (Mr. Kapasi, 22) which portrays how he chased this idealized relationship. Chasing this perfect relationship the human imperfections of not fully understanding each other lead to Mr. Kapasi finding out that all along, she did not feel the same.

    The theme of human imperfection and the chase of a perfect life ultimately leads to consequences. Portrayed in the short stories The Birthmark by Nathaniel Hawthorne and Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri we were able to see this theme was important and significant throughout the stories. Furthermore, as shown through examples from the characters the theme was greatly introduced throughout the stories.