Themes of “Interpreter of Maladies” In the “Interpreter of Maladies” different themes are used throughout the story. The use of these different themes enables the reader to become aware of what the author is trying to get across to he or she. The themes in “Interpreter of Maladies” include marriage/love, communication, and environment/nature. With each taking on a role of its own, the story becomes both compelling and informative. Marriage and love comes across as complicated in the story. A marriage is known to be the start of a beautiful partnership between two people who love each other. In “Interpreter of Maladies” marriage is just that but also much more. It is secrets, regret, and mystery. Although Twinkle and Sanjeev are married under their own free will it comes across, as the two are strangers. No matter the romantic feelings that come about the couple remains individuals in their own right. As a direct result Sanjeev is regretting the love he has for his wife. Although as it progresses the narrator shows us that distance can sometimes be closed by shared experiences. When Shukumar and Shoba deal with the death of their child, the bond between the two strengthens. The story shows us that love can be found in the most unexpected ways and can alter in the event of a joint experience. The lack of communication weighs on several characters throughout the story. While Shukumar and Shaba are individually consumed by their own grief they fail to communicate with one another. It is only the blackouts that enable them to regain a connection. They are allowed the freedom to communicate and share secrets that they had up until that point never shared with one another. Mrs. Das attempts to let go of the burden she carry’s when she tells Mr. Kapasi the secret about Bobby’s contraception. In the end you realize that only Mrs. Das can unburden herself.