Contemporary writers often explore different narrative techniques. In "Once in a Lifetime," Jhumpa Lahiri`s narrative technique helps reveal her cultural perspectives. In this activity, you`ll analyze how Lahiri`s various perspectives affect the central themes and conflicts in the story.

Question A

Who is the narrator of the story? Who is the "you" that the narrator is addressing?

Question B

How does the use of second-person point of view affect your understanding of the relationships between the characters in the story? What limitations does it set?

Question C

Read the following passage from "Once in a Lifetime." Identify the culture that each of the characters represents. How does Hema`s American culture blend with her Bengali culture? How does this passage reflect Jhumpa Lahiri`s personal beliefs or perspectives?

"You`re going to get sick, Kaushik, always wandering outside like that," my mother said. She continued to speak to you in Bengali, despite your consistently English replies. It was your mother who came down with a cold, using this as an excuse to stay in bed for days. She refused the food my mother made for the rest of us, requesting only canned chicken broth. You walked to the minimart a mile from our house, bringing back the broth and issues of Vogue and Harper`s Bazaar. "Go ask Parul Mashi if she wants tea," my mother said one afternoon, and I headed upstairs to the guestroom

Question D

Throughout the story, how does Lahiri develop and relate her American and Bengali-Indian backgrounds? How does Lahiri`s complex background influence the central themes and conflicts within the story? Identify examples that reflect Lahiri`s diverse background.