Mrs. Sen's

“Mrs. Sen’s” is a short story in which Lahri implicates the conflict of children vs. adults. In this case, Mrs. Sen is an Indian babysitter who lives in America with her husband with whom she is little involved. This is mainly due to Mrs. Sen’s desire to be back home in India with her family. Even when Elliot’s mother comes to see their apartment, Mrs. Sen shows her love for her country. “‘And that’s all … in India?’ ‘Yes, Mrs. Sen replied. The mention of the word seemed to release something in her. She neatened the border of her sari where it rose diagonally across her chest. She, too, looked around the room, as if she noticed the lampshades, in the teapot, in the shadows frozen on the carpet, something the rest of them could not. ‘Everything
Food preparation means reconnecting to one’s past and culture. However, Mrs. Sen seems particularly able to reconnect when she enters into a relationship with someone who is witness to her activities. When that tie is severed, and she is mourning her loss, cooking is not possible for her” (Martina Caspari 246-247). This is key in how Mrs. Sen finds a temporary satisfaction for family and culture through Elliot and his desire and pleasure in watching and participating with Mrs. Sen in her cooking. However this revolves back into family conflict due to her ability to be united with her true cultural desires. Thus, we gain the understanding that true family comfort cannot be reached without cultural satisfaction. An example of husband vs. wife complications can be found in “This Blessed House”. Throughout this story, marriage conflicts begin to develop due to issues all based upon cultural preferences. Sanjeev, the husband, is strongly supportive of his culture and religion. Twinkle however, despite also being Hindu, is more laid back as much as possible about being as loyal to their culture. Conflict arises when Twinkle finds a Christian nic nak that she wishes to display in their new