When Mr Pirzada Came To Dine

In Jhumpa Lahiri’s “When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine,” she explores the theme of being a strange in a foreign land, even showing that those who call a land home can feel disconnected at times as well. For Mr. Pirzada, America is a great big mystery to him. Many of the cultural practices described throughout the story are understandably foreign to him, such as saying “thank you” for everything and carving pumpkins on Halloween. He is a lonely man who is lost and confused in this new country. Rather than driving, he prefers to walk to Lilia’s house, and his straight posture and clothing are very strange to Lilia.
As an Indian family residing in America, Lilia and her family share very different cultures and values from individuals in America.