Interpreter of Maladies
How does Mr. Kapasi's job as an "interpreter of maladies" relate to the action in this story? Does he have the occasion to use his diagnostic ability in his interactions with the Das family?
Mrs. Das evidently has had a hard time living with this secret about the origin of Bobby festering inside of her. When she learns that Mr. Kapasi is an interpreter, she begins fantasizing, apparently, about telling him her secret, as is evidenced by the following:
"'Tell us a typical situation.' She settled back in her seat, her head tilted in a patch of sun, and closed her eyes. 'I want to picture what happens.'" - p. 153
Mrs. Das is under the impression that she suffers from some sort of figurative malady of the heart, and she thinks Mr. Kapasi will help her out just for kicks. I sort of think this part is satirizing American culture. Early on in the story, the author mentions the tourist maps and cameras that the Das family has brought along with them. Now, he depicts Mrs. Das as self-centered and a little condescending, I think. Although Mrs. Das compliments Mr. Kapasi, going as far as to call his profession as interpreter "romantic," she just assumes he has nothing better to do--would like nothing more, perhaps--than listen to her troubles.
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