The Theme Of Depression In A Temporary Matter By Jhumpa Lahiri

Depression within people of color’s community is often dismissed or unattended. This is displayed throughout Jhumpa Lahiri’s work. Her writing style addresses depression slightly and has sudden hints throughout the whole body of work. Jhumpa Lahiri’s writing has an underlying theme of depression, and this is revealed in “A Temporary Matter” through both of the main characters. Jhumpa Lahiri writing is a direct reflection of how in people of color community depression is dismissed. A few symptoms of depression are less interested in things you once enjoyed, either loss of sleep or too much sleep, feeling worthless. Also, people handle depression and grief differently, some are consumed by their thoughts, and the origin of their depression

Shoba in the past 6 months has become more distant from the house. Staying away and busying herself is her way of coping. Shukumar notes that “She wasn’t this way before. She used to put her coat on a hanger, her sneakers in the closet and she paid bills as soon as they came. But now she treated the house as if it were a hotel” (Lahiri 6). Shoba way of coping is being away for a long period of time. One may confuse this with her getting to the traumatic event. However, Shukumar states “In the beginning, he had believed that it would pass, that he and Shoba would get through it all somehow. She was only thirty-three. She was strong, on her feet again. But it wasn’t a consolation” (Lahiri 5). The couple never received any type of therapy. Therefore, they have not healed and now they have to pretend that they are okay. Shoba appears handling the loss of their baby better than Shukumar. However, her actions only reveal that she is still dealing with it. Lahiri tells the audience that “The more Shoba stayed out, the more she began putting in extra hours at work and taking additional projects” (Lahiri 3). Shoba is constantly trying to keep herself busy so she can appear okay. Her taking up more work is just an excuse for her to be out of the house. The house to her represents her depression because at home the nursery is a constant reminder for her. Therefore,

Jhumpa Lahiri’s writing has an underlying theme of depression, and this is revealed in “A Temporary Matter” through both of the main characters Throughout passage constant hints were dropped that the two characters suffered from depression. The couple did not discuss their problems with each other to the very end when Shoba was at her wit's end. Lahiri added the idea of her leaving to represent what happens when depression goes on untreated in any situation. Things get broken or they are hard to mend when one wait too late to address the problem at hand. Shukumar and Shoba represent the POC and the approach to mental health. The outcome of their relationship happens almost all the time in this community. Lahiri showcases to her audience the importance of communication and consoling when dealing with depression. She displays this in a way that was slight, however, it still had its presence throughout the