Interpreter of Maladies: Symbolic Sunglasses

One thing I found interesting in “Interpreter of Maladies” was Mrs. Das’ symbolic sunglasses. Up until Mr. Kapasi’s job as a medical interpreter is mentioned, Mrs. Das never removes her sunglasses. She only removes them when her interest is piqued, finally allowing herself to show some interest in the family’s trip. The sunglasses are symbolic of the barrier between Mrs. Das and her family and it’s not until they’re removed that she can connect with them. In the cab at the beginning Mrs. Das ignores her family and the sunglasses are on, but at the end when she comforts Bobby, the sunglasses are off and the barrier is gone.