The Third and the Final Continent

By Jhumpa Lahiri

Jhumpa Lahiri is an acclaimed American author known for her exploration of immigrant experiences, cultural identity, and the complexities of family. Born in London to Bengali parents and raised in the United States, Lahiri often draws from her own background to depict the challenges of assimilation and cultural disconnection. Her debut short story collection, “Interpreter of Maladies,” won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2000. Lahiri has also written novels like “The Namesake,” and “The Lowland,” and more recently, she has explored writing in Italian, reflecting her deep interest in language and translation.

The story follows an Indian immigrant who moves to the United States in the late 1960s. As he adjusts to life in a new country, he forms an unlikely friendship with his elderly landlady, Mrs. Croft. Through his journey, the story explores themes of cultural identity, adaptation, and the immigrant experience, ultimately portraying the quiet strength of building a new life across different continents.

Q: Indicate the details that tell us that the narrator was not very financially comfortable during his stay in London.

Ans. The narrator’s financial discomfort in London is highlighted by his frugal lifestyle. He lived in a small, shared flat with other Bengali immigrants and survived on simple meals like cornflakes and bananas. His financial constraints are further emphasized by his decision to save money by walking to work instead of using public transportation, reflecting his need to be economical.

Q: How did the narrator adjust to the ways of life first in London and then in Cambridge, U.S.A.?

Ans. In London, the narrator adjusted by maintaining a disciplined and frugal lifestyle, adapting to a communal living arrangement, and managing his finances carefully. He embraced the routines of a new immigrant, focusing on work and saving money.

When he moved to Cambridge, U.S.A., the narrator initially struggled with the cultural differences but made efforts to adapt, such as when he rented a room from Mrs. Croft, an elderly woman with strict rules. He gradually adjusted to American customs, and his evolving relationship with Mrs. Croft symbolizes his growing comfort in the new environment. The narrator also helped his wife, Mala, adjust, demonstrating their shared journey towards adapting to a new way of life.

Q: What do you understand of the character of Mrs. Croft from the story?-

Ans. Mrs. Croft is portrayed as a proud, independent, and strong-willed 103-year-old woman. Despite her advanced age, she maintains a strict sense of propriety and insists on her tenants adhering to her rules, such as standing up when a lady is present. She is deeply patriotic, often exclaiming about the American flag and the moon landing. Her character reflects resilience and a firm adherence to her values, representing an era that contrasts with the changing world around her.

Q: What kind of a relationship did Mrs. Croft share with her daughter Helen?

Ans. Mrs. Croft and her daughter Helen shared a distant but dutiful relationship. Helen visited her mother regularly, ensuring her well-being, which suggests a sense of responsibility and care. However, the interactions between them appear to be formal and lacking warmth, indicative of a relationship marked by obligation rather than affection. Helen respects her mother’s independence but also seems to accept the limitations of their bond.

Q: How does the narrator bring out the contrast between the Indian way of life and American society? Do you think his wife Mala adjusted comfortably to the new way of life?

Ans. The narrator contrasts the Indian and American ways of life through various observations. For example, he notes the difference in social interactions, personal space, and the independence valued in American society compared to the close-knit, communal nature of Indian life. The narrator’s initial discomfort in America, such as his confusion over American customs and his experience with Mrs. Croft, illustrates these contrasts.

Mala initially struggles to adjust, feeling lonely and disconnected in a foreign land. However, over time, she adapts to her new environment, forming a bond with the narrator that strengthens their relationship and helps her feel more at home. The narrative suggests that while the adjustment is challenging, Mala eventually finds a sense of belonging.

Q: How does the bond of affection between Mrs. Croft and the narrator evolve?

Ans. The bond between Mrs. Croft and the narrator revolves from a formal landlord-tenant relationship into one of mutual respect and affection. Initially, the narrator is simply renting a room and adhering to her rules, but over time, he grows fond of her eccentricities and comes to admire her strength and resilience. His small gesture, such as bringing her bouquet, signify his growing affection. Mrs. Croft becomes a symbolic figure in his life, representing his initial steps toward integrating into American society. Her death profoundly affects him, marking the loss of a significant, albeit brief, connection in his journey.

Q: Living abroad is challenging in many ways. Discuss.

Ans. Living abroad involves navigating cultural differences, language barriers, and feelings of isolation. For the narrator, these challenges are evident in his initial discomfort in both London and America, his need to adapt to new social norms, and his struggle to maintain his cultural identity while embracing a new lifestyle.

Q: The Indian family system offers more security to the aged than what is found in the West. Discuss.

Ans. The story highlights differences in how elderly people are treated in Indian and Western societies. Mrs. Croft, living independently at 103, symbolizes the Western emphasis on independence, even to the point of solitude. In contrast, the Indian family system, which the narrator comes from, emphasizes multi-generational households and closer familial bonds, providing emotional and physical security to the elderly.

Q: The eccentricities of the old are often endearing. Discuss.

Ans. Mrs. Croft’s eccentricities, such as her strict rules and patriotic declarations, initially seem odd but eventually become endearing to the narrator. These quirks provide a sense of continuity and tradition, making her a memorable and admirable figure in his life, showing how the quirks of the elderly can evoke affection and respect.

Q: Discuss the manner in which the author interweaves details of the narrator’s family with the flow of the main narrative.

Ans. Jhumpa Lahiri skilfully interweaves the narrator’s family details with the broader narrative by gradually revealing his background, his arranged marriage, and the cultural challenges he faces. The integration of his personal experiences, such as his memories of his mother and his efforts to connect with Mala, enriches the story, providing depth to his journey of adaptation and belonging.

Q: “Mrs. Croft’s was the first death I mourned in America, for, hers was the first life I had admired; she had left this world at last, ancient and alone, never to return” – do these lines encapsulate the bond that is possible between two strangers?

Ans. These lines encapsulate the profound yet fleeting bond that can be formed between strangers. The narrator’s mourning of Mrs. Croft’s death underscores the impact she had on his life, despite their brief acquaintance. It reflects the theme of unexpected connections in unfamiliar places, highlighting how human interactions can leave lasting impressions, even when they occur across cultural divides and generational gaps.

Q: Examine the pieces of conservation in the story. How do they reflect the worldview of each of the speakers?

Ans. Conversations in the story reveal the distinct worldview of the characters. Mrs. Croft’s dialogues often reflect her patriotism, traditional values, and pride in her independence, while the narrator’s responses show his respect for her and his gradual adaptation to American life. The exchanges between the narrator and Mala reflect their evolving relationship, as they navigate their roles as partners in a new country, balancing their Indian heritage with the influences of American society.

Q: There are many instances of gentle humor in the story. Point out some of these and state how this contributes to the interest of the narration.

Ans. Gentle humor in the story arises from cultural misunderstandings and the quirks of the characters. For instance, Mrs. Croft’s repeated insistence on the rent amount or the way she forces the narrator to celebrate the moon landing of the Americans by calling it ‘splendid.’ These moments of humor add warmth and reliability to the story, making the characters more endearing and the cultural contrasts more approachable. This lightness helps maintain the reader’s interest and balance the more serious themes of adaptation and cultural identity.