Final answer:
The theme of 'When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine' is centered on cultural identity and the sense of belonging, illustrated by Mr. Pirzada's connection to his homeland and shared experiences with an Indian-American family.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theme of 'When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine', a short story from Jhumpa Lahiri's collection named 'Interpreter of Maladies', revolves around the concepts of cultural identity and the sense of belonging. In the story, Mr. Pirzada, a Pakistani scholar residing in the United States during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, forms a bond with a Bengali Indian-American girl and her family.
The characters navigate the complexities of cultural identity and the feeling of being an outsider in a foreign land. Two pieces of textual evidence supporting this theme include Mr. Pirzada's meticulous routine of watching the news about his homeland, reflecting his continuous concern and connection to his country.
Additionally, the narrator’s empathy and deep emotional response to Mr. Pirzada’s situation signify the shared cultural ties and mutual understanding that transcend national boundaries. Another aspect of the theme concerns the experience of dislocation and longing for one's homeland, as Mr. Pirzada is constantly worried about his family's safety in war-torn Pakistan.