Jhumpa Lahiri surely interprets the philosophy of Postmodernism through the use of his characters in "Interpreter of Maladies." The concept of morality can be clearly understood throughout this short story which plays a huge concept when it comes to defining postmodernism. Morality speaks of a system of behavior in regards to standards of right or wrong behavior (allaboutphilosophy.org). Lahiri exemplifies this term through the use of actions and emotions between Mr. Kapasi and Mrs. Das.
While giving a tour for the Das Family, Mr. Kapasi's emotions trigger once Mrs. Das says "so romantic" regarding his interpreter occupation. "It is a job like any other", "But so romantic." After this unexpected altercation, it is clear that Mr. Kapasi's attraction towards Mrs. Das arose. Mr. Kapasis morals are certainly seen shortly after. His knowledge towards the relationship between Mr and Mrs. Das does not stop him from having a blind romance between Mrs. Das. "He began to check his reflection in the rearview mirror as he drove, feeling grateful that he had chosen the gray suit that morning and not the brown one, which tended to sag a little in the knees. From time to time he glanced through the mirror at Mrs. Das. In addition to glancing at her face he glanced at the strawberry between her breasts, and the golden brown hollow in her throat." Shortly after taking a group picture, Mrs. Das requested for Mr. Kapasi to give his address in order to send the photo that was taken. Mr. Kapasi receiving the wrong impression, he starts to think the factors to why Mrs. Das really wanted his address. "The paper curled as Mr. Kapasi wrote his address in clear, careful letters. She would write to tim, asking about his days interpreting at the doctors office, and he would respond eloquently, choosing only the most entertaining anecdotes, ones that would make her laugh out loud as she read them in her house in New Jersey" (Lahiri 20). This just comes to show how Mr. Kapasi is so blinded by Mrs. Das's actions. Coming from a rough past, he pays no mind towards the fact that she is in a relationship because he suffers from being alone.
Individuals in the post modern world are very much similar to Mr. Kapasis character. Although Mrs. Das has a husband and two kids, it does not affect Mr. Kapasis attraction towards her. It was not clear, until the end, why Mrs. Das made all of those sweet remarks. But the thought of Mr. Kapasi thinking he had a blind relationship with a married woman, and was willing to continue on having such a relationship just comes to show the moral behavior of Mr. Kapasi. In the post modern world, people are willing to commit a wrong or right behavior, but it depends on the other persons perspective and act of behavior as well.
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