One of the first things about "The Interpreter of Maladies" that stood out to me was Mrs. Das' character, partly because Mr. Kapasi spends a considerable amount of time analyzing her, but also because of her apparent selfishness and self-centeredness. Between her avid nail-polishing and lack of social participation, she comes across as someone who has little to interest in anything that does not concern her, including her children. That appears to change when she begins to talk to Mr. Kapasi about his work. She's very interested in his work as an interpreter, which comes as a surprise to both Mr. Kapasi and the reader (or me, at least). Her fascination with his work is extremely sudden, and it's hard not to think that she's more interested in Mr. Kapasi than his work. She makes a concerted effort to include him in discussion, in her family's meal, and in their tour. Throughout this time, the reader and Mr. Kapasi are oblivious of her intentions but cur...