'A Temporary Matter' by Jhumpa Lahiri (1991)

A somber and atmospheric illustration depicting a couple in a dimly lit room during a blackout, with snow gently falling outside the window, symbolizing isolation and unspoken tension.

Exploring Secrets in "A Temporary Matter"

Test your understanding of Jhumpa Lahiri's poignant story, "A Temporary Matter." This quiz delves into the lives of Shukumar and Shoba as they navigate loss, intimacy, and the weight of unspoken truths.

Featuring questions about:

Character backgrounds
Plot details
Symbolism and themes

12 Questions3 MinutesCreated by ExploringHeart32

Why did Shukumar miss Shoba going into labor?

Stuck at office

His drinking

Lost cell phone

He was out of town

What is constantly escalating in this story?

The danger during the blackouts

The snowfall outside

The intensity of the secrets

Shoba's angry outbursts

Shoba is known for:

Jogging

Preparing for things in advance

Her great fashion sense

Her sense of humor

Shoba's mother treats Shukumar how?

Very rudely

Never speaks to him, or anyone else

Politely, but standoffish

Excessively and genuinely kind

Shukumar once did what?

Had an affair

Kept a photograph of a girl

Did a strange drug without telling Shoba

Disappeared for a full week

Shukumar never told Shoba

Their baby was a girl

He held their baby

About his own affair

About his first wife back home

You get the sense that this relationship

Is over

Is finally about to re-begin and be significantly better

Was never any good

Will lead to marriage, for better or worse

"A Temporary Matter" by Jhumpa Lahiri (1991)

Exploring Secrets in "A Temporary Matter"

More Quizzes