A Good Matter

Imagery, setting, point of view, and plot are each elements of a story that when put together well can from an exceptionally good story. Good imagery will create fully developed setting. Point of view and setting will both impact the plot, point of view changing how the reader perceives the plot, and setting sometimes having a direct role in the plot. “A Temporary Matter” by Jhumpa Lahiri utilizes each of these elements to create an enjoyable, intriguing, and well written short story.

This story is incredibly descriptive and detailed in its imagery and has a very impactful setting. Lahiri includes aspects of the story that might seem unnecessary to the plot, such as describing the lamb fat in the garbage can underneath the onion skins he had just thrown in. However, rather than this being pointless description that may somewhat disgust the reader, this detail tells the reader what Shukumar is making for dinner and how far along he is with the preparations without having to directly state it. It also makes the characters feel more real as it describes actions that people experience but aren’t usually written about. Besides being a well described setting, it is also well chosen. Most people have experienced a power outage (or at least been at home without the lights on) and have discovered the somewhat surreal atmosphere that comes with being in the dark. Having the power outage create a new setting for the characters improves the story because it is sense others can relate to.

Point of view has a very strong role in “A Temporary Matter”. The short story is written in third person limited with its focus on Shukumar. The biggest role the point of view has is creating the dramatic irony at the end of the story, both for Shoba telling Shukumar that she is leaving him, and Shukumar telling Shoba that they would have had a son. Though there are clues that Shoba will leave Shukumar, since the point of view gives Shukumar’s thoughts, it includes reasoning why her actions toward leaving him may not be so. When Shoba has set up a separate bank account from his, he says her reasoning is incase he dies, as his mother was left penniless when his dad died, and says he applauds her on her ability to plan into the future. This drives the reader to think similarly to Shukumar, adding impact to Shoba’s announcement that she is leaving him.

The way the plot is set up also makes “A Temporary Matter” a great story. The entirety of the plot takes place in roughly six days, but the narration doesn’t just follow those six days. Integrated throughout the story are sections of flashback that relate to the story’s current events and give explanation for the character’s actions or feelings. This helps to create full characterization, as well as create an interesting story by having a dynamic narration.

“A Temporary Matter” is an excellent short story because each of the literary elements add a positive aspect to an interesting story. The imagery makes it so the writing isn’t matter-of-fact or plain, and the descriptive the setting allows for connection and intrigue. The point of view creates a connection to the characters, one of empathy and one of mystery. The plot, in its connected jumps through time, aids in the characterization and keeps the reader's interest. Together, these elements create a captivating story.