What is main idea in a real Durwan?

“A Real Durwan” is a short story by Indian-American author Jhumpa Lahiri from her 1999 Pulitzer-prize winning collection Interpreter of Maladies. It follows an older, exceedingly poor woman who is unjustly treated by her community in Calcutta. Its themes include disillusionment, callousness, and displacement.

What is the conflict in a real Durwan?

The theme of conflict is self-evident in the story. Mr and Mrs Dalal fight over Mr Dalal’s purchase of the two wash basins with Mrs Dalal thinking that her husband has been overly extravagant.

What does boori Ma say her life was like before she arrived at the building?

Boori Ma explains that she once lived a life of luxury—her yard was overflowing with guavas, dates, and blooming hibiscus blossoms.

What does boori MA represent?

The keys Boori Ma carries symbolize access, not only to the physical structure of the apartment building where she lives and works, but also to a particular way of life.

What do you think the washbasins symbolized in the building boori Ma lived in?

The basin causes the other residents to be shaken from their economic class complacency and want to do whatever is necessary—including pawning valuable objects and dismissing Boori Ma from her post in favor of a “real durwan”—to change the public perception of their little community.

What is the setting of a real Durwan?

The setting of A Real Durwan is in an Indian apartment building.

How do the other residents view boori Ma?

The details of her tales change often, entertaining the residents but leaving the truth hazy. Although Boori Ma is a laborer in the building, working for a roof over her head, the residents seem to genuinely respect her, especially Mrs. Dalal.

What do the wash basins symbolize in a real Durwan?

The communal wash basin that Mr. Dalal purchases for the building’s residents to use is a physical representation of wealth and status, and inspires jealousy, competition, and momentum toward materialistic change.

What do skeleton keys symbolize in a real Durwan?

The Skeleton Keys The keys Boori Ma carries symbolize access, not only to the physical structure of the apartment building where she lives and works, but also to a particular way of life.

Why do the residents of the building not hire a real Durwan instead of giving boori Ma that responsibility?

Why do the residents of the building not hire a real durwan instead of giving Boori Ma that responsibility? The residents do not hire someone else because she is so good at it and can get rid of anyone who looks suspicious with her broom. She is like the gatekeeper.