This Blessed House

       “This Blessed House” is one of Jhumpa Lahiri’s shot stories in her book Interpreter of Maladies. In this story we are introduced to a recently married couple who have purchased their first home. From the day they move in, until the day of their house warming party Sanjeev and Twinkle find Christian artifacts all over their home. These artifacts are what lead to the theme of this story, which I argue is respect, for both a religion as well as for a spouse. In this story Twinkle is represented as the dominant force in the relationship, since she has all the masculine traits that would describe a man, especially that of having the final say. It is through Twinkle that we first see a respect for a religion when she finds a statue of a Christ figure and decides to keep it; “No, we’re not Christian. We’re good little Hindus.” (Lahiri, p. 137, 1999) Twinkle not only stands up to Sanjeev in order protect this Christian artifact, but many more such as the Christ poster, the Mary and Joseph salt shakers and a statue of Mary as well. Although Sanjeev is angered at the sole fact of having those artifacts in his home or outside his home, he still displays respect at simply going along with Twinkle’s decisions. This is evident, when “Sanjeev pressed the massive silver face to his ribs, careful not to let the feather hat slip, and followed her.” (Laniri, p.157, 1999) This quote not only shows respect for a religion, but for both his spouse and a religion. Reason being is that Sanjeev, not  only respects his wife, but also loves her, and it is threw his love for her that he is able to understand her and respect the things she believes. “Please. I would feel terrible throwing them away. Obviously they were important to the people who used to live here. It would feel, I don’t know, sacrilegious or something.” ( Lahiri, p. 138, 1999)