In Jhumpa Lahiri's "Unaccustomed Earth," the complex dynamics of familial relationships are explored, particularly through the lens of silence. The protagonist grapples with feelings of both protection and punishment from family members, highlighting how unspoken grievances can create profound emotional ties. This silence serves as a double-edged sword, shielding her while simultaneously enforcing feelings of guilt or isolation.
The memory of a pivotal night becomes a central theme, overshadowing all other...