Green with Envy

We are jealous creatures in one way or another. Yes, that means you too. Even if it is for a fleeting moment, we all experience that twinge of envy, that desire to obtain something that does not belong to us.

Reading the short story, "This Blessed House," Sanjeev's jealously was palpable. His free spirited, intelligent, charismatic, beautiful wife, Twinkle,being the focus of his envy. Looking at Sanjeev, he appears to be a man that would have no need to be jealous of anyone. He is educated, powerful, wealthy, orderly and seems to have many friends and family that love him (as apparent by the turn out of his wedding and house warming party). So, why would he be jealous of his wife?

Here are a few reasons why:

1. She is admired for her lovely looks, while he is likened to a girl because he is of, "average build" and "his checks had a plumpness to them; this, along with the eyelashes, detracted, he feared, from what he hoped was a distinguished profile" (Lahiri 140).

2. Also, "he was of average height as well," yet Twinkle insisted on wearing heels (Lahiri 140). She is a woman unafraid to be taller than a man, both physically and socially. Because there is a sense of power in that, Sanjeev is jealous.

3. She is not bound to any role, including the socialized tasks of females. Although Sanjeev would like her to "sweep the attic," it is not required of her to do so (Lahiri 141). Yet, he feels bound by his role to be a good provider.

4. Twinkle "had not grown out of her girlhood," which is apparent in her adventurous attitude that seeks to find excitement in everyday (Lahiri 142). Sanjeev, on the other hand, had been a man for years, consumed with thoughts of his persona and unable to tap into the carefree spirit like that of a child.

5. When Sanjeev decides to hold a house warming party (with my of his co-workers/ friends attending) it is Twinkle who is the star of the party, for "they laughed at her anecdotes and observations, forming a widening circle around her" (Lahiri 152). He is jealous of the attention she commands of the room because it reminds him of his inability to "Twinkle" in a crowded room.

But most of all, Sanjeev is jealous of Twinkle because he knows that she does not need him, yet he knows he needs her. When reflecting on his single years, Sanjeev only remembers the pressure from his family to meet someone and the sadness he felt during the years of being alone. Marrying Twinkle is a way to escape a lonely, seemingly unfulfilled life. Therefore, he needs her in his life if he is to feel accomplished and "happy". Twinkle, on the other hand, is independent, strong, intelligent and captivating. She has that spark that propels someone towards happiness and success. Her life is not bound to Sanjeev, but Sanjeev's envision of life is bound to Twinkles' existence in his.