A Temporary Matter

Jhumpa Lahiri's "A Temporary Matter" is about a married couple who aren't able to seal the rift that has parted their relationship. The wife, Shoba, and husband, Shukumar, become less connected to one another after Shoba bore a stillborn. They both have a feeling of guilt that it is their fault that the baby died, and this guilt contributes to the growing distances in the marriage. Other family menbers also contributed to the feeling of guilt that they had. Once, when Shoba's mother had been visiting, and the subject of the baby came up, she responded, " But you weren't even there." (Lahiri 9). One day, the couple recieves a notice that "for five days their electricity will be cut off for one hour, beginning at 8 p.m." (Lahiri 1). During this time, the coulpe shares previously unknown facts and secrets about one another. On the last unpowered night, Shoba tells Shukumar that she is moving to a seperate apartment. This action makes her seem very selfish, for she is not the only one who is suffering. However, "She wouldn't look at him" (Lahiri 21), and this signifies that she does contain sorrow for what she is doing to him. However, she feels that her action is in the best interest for their relationship and lives. This action can be linked to a theme that humans will think and care about others no matter what the circumstances are.