Prose Essay #2: Tumultuous Relations

Ann Jacob

Ms. Nichole Wilson

AP Multicultural Literature B

Tumultuous Relations

            Relationships come with happiness or anger and can leave the same as well. Jhumpa Lahiri, author of “Unaccustomed Earth”, uses cultural background and tone shifts to establish that in unstable relationships, without change, it is impossible to live in harmony with another person.

            Jhumpa Lahiri uses the short story “Only Goodness” to share that although a relationship may have made it through the years, when one grows weary, despite cultural similarities, the relationship will be tested to see if it can rough the storms.  When older sister Sudha finally reconnects with brother Rahul, it is clear to see the strained relationship of a “brother with a drinking problem” and her beloved parents that have given up so much for their children (Lahiri 143). Jhumpa Lahiri uses cultural backgrounds to show the intricate web of relationships within the Bengali culture. As immigrants from Bengal, Sudha and Rahul’s parents were proud to brag that their children were going to prestigious colleges. To Indians, culture, academics, and poise is everything, but to Rahul, it didn’t matter. His continuous shame brought to his parents by various activities piled up. A few years after graduating high school, Rahul drops out of college, get into heavily drinking, and moves back into his parent’s house. These actions and Rahul’s place now are unspeakable to his parents who once proudly celebrated him for his works. Despite living a grim life with his parent, not future ahead, Rahul continuously refuses to change, ultimately disconnecting his relationship with his parents.   

            Through ‘Only Goodness”, Lahiri uses tone shifts to indicated the strained relationship between Sudha and Rahul.  Throughout the story, Sudha, desperate to help Rahul clean up his life, repeatedly attempts to bring him to a place where he can change. Despite her efforts, Rahul objects and “seemed always to be in a slightly bad mood” (Lahiri 139). When Rahul and Sudha were children, Sudha brought Rahul his alcohol. But now, as a teen and adult, Rahul still expects Sudha to make “trip to the liquor store” just for him, an action Sudha does with hesitation, not realizing her contribution to his addiction (Lahiri 131). Fed up with fueling his alcoholic habits, Sudha stopped enabling Rahul but this action only turns their relationship sour. Once, a sibling pair that taught each other the ropes of American life, has now turned into a volatile affiliation, containing distrust, hate, and avoidance.  When Sudha stopped being the enabler, Rahul’s anger broke out. Tones once playful have now turned to annoyance and anger. Sudha and Rahul’s precarious relationship, even when Rahul tries to change is doomed for failure as he reverts beack to his old habits, putting others in danger.  

By using mood shifts and cultural backgrounds, Jhumpa Lahiri, author of “Unaccustomed Earth” established that in Bengali relationships, change is essential if the goal is to live in peace.