The main theme

The main theme that ensues from the short story is the theme of loneliness and unhappiness. Two types of loneliness are worthy to be mentioned in what follows: individual loneliness (of Freya and Pearl) and loneliness in the couple (in the case of Freya and her husband Mukesh and Pearl and her husband Jacob).

Although the beginning of the story presents two women who are apparently happy with themselves and with their lives, the truth is totally different. Pearl is presented as being “naive” ( l. 21), “silly” ( l. 20) and lighthearted, attributes that attract men. Freya, on the other hand, is characterised by “cynicism” ( l. 24) and a rational way of thinking. Although the two friends are as different as they could be, they are both lonely women, both individually or in their married lives.

Pearl is portrayed as being the light and soul of “dinner parties” ( l. 25), yet she is deeply lonely and unhappy. This is the reason why she decides to book an appointment with the guru. When Freya i...