Study Questions for When Mr

STUDY QUESTIONS FOR “WHEN MR. PIRZADA CAME TO DINE” BY LAHIRI

1. Consider how Lilia’s sense of personal identity is a function of her “twoness.” How do her study at school, her relationship with Mr. Pirzada, and her experiences on Halloween all contribute to her dual identity as both Indian and American?

2. How would you characterize Lilia’s relationship with Mr. Pirzada? That is, why does he behave toward her the way that he does? What details support your generalizations about the causes of his behavior?

3. How do you interpret the end of the story? Upon learning that Pirzada and his family are safe and comfortable, why does Lilia throw away the remaining candy, and why does she “not feel like celebrating” [42]?