Nobody’s Business
“Nobody’s
Business” is the fifth story in Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri. It
explores unrequited love, cultural expectations, betrayal, and the complexities
of relationships through the perspective of Paul, an American man who lives
with an Indian woman named Sang in a shared house in Boston.
Plot
Structure of Nobody’s Business
Exposition (Introduction to Characters & Setting)
The
story is set in Boston, where Paul, a quiet PhD student, lives with Sang, a
Bengali-American woman, and another male roommate.
Paul
secretly loves Sang, but she is unaware and sees him only as a friend.
Sang
is dating Farouk, an Egyptian man who lives in another city and treats her
indifferently.
Rising
Action (Observing the Relationship’s Flaws)
Paul
notices red flags in Sang’s relationship:
Farouk
rarely calls or visits unless convenient for him.
He
flirts with other women openly.
Sang
defends him, ignoring the warning signs.
Sang’s
Bengali parents disapprove of Farouk, wanting her to marry someone from their
culture, but she refuses.
Paul
feels helpless as he watches Sang fall deeper into a one-sided love.
Climax
(Discovery of Farouk’s Betrayal)
Paul
receives a shocking phone call from a woman claiming to be Farouk’s fiancée.
She
reveals that Farouk has been engaged for months and is cheating on Sang.
Paul
struggles with whether to tell Sang but ultimately decides to inform her.
Falling
Action (Sang Confronts Farouk & Breaks Down)
Sang
confronts Farouk, who coldly confirms the truth—he has been engaged the entire
time.
Sang
is heartbroken and ends the relationship.
Paul
tries to comfort her, but he never confesses his feelings.
Resolution
(Sang Leaves & Paul Remains Alone)
Overwhelmed
by heartbreak, Sang decides to leave Boston to move on from her past.
She
cuts ties with Paul, even though he was the only one who truly cared for her.
Paul
is left alone in the apartment, realizing that he never had a place in Sang’s
life despite his silent love.
Key
Structural Elements
Linear
Narrative: The story follows a straightforward timeline, showing the
progression of Paul’s passive observation of Sang’s failing relationship.
Foreshadowing:
Early hints of Farouk’s dishonesty make the climax (his betrayal) inevitable.
Irony:
Paul,
who truly cares about Sang, remains unnoticed.
Sang,
who defies her parents for love, ends up abandoned and betrayed.
Ambiguous
Ending: There is no clear resolution—Paul is left alone, Sang is gone, and life
moves on in an unresolved, melancholic way.
This
structure highlights the theme of unrequited love, betrayal, and the loneliness
of watching someone make painful mistakes.
Detailed Summary
Introduction:
Paul’s Perspective & His Feelings for Sang
The
story is told from the third-person limited perspective of Paul, a quiet and
reserved PhD student in classics.
Paul
shares an apartment in Boston with Sang, a Bengali-American woman, and another
male roommate.
He
harbors romantic feelings for Sang, though she only sees him as a friend and is
unaware of his attraction.
Sang’s
Relationship with Farouk
Sang
is dating Farouk, an Egyptian man who lives in another city and visits
occasionally.
She
adores Farouk despite his unreliability and lack of commitment.
Paul,
though jealous, sees warning signs in their relationship but chooses to stay
silent.
Paul
Observes the Relationship’s Flaws
Paul
notices that Farouk:
Rarely
calls Sang and only visits when it’s convenient.
Flirts
with other women, which Sang dismisses.
Never
fully commits to Sang despite her deep love for him.
Paul
is frustrated but feels it’s “nobody’s business” to interfere.
Sang’s
Family Disapproves
Sang’s
Bengali parents are unhappy with her relationship with Farouk.
They
want her to marry a Bengali man, but Sang rebels against their expectations.
She
believes in love over tradition, but her faith in Farouk blinds her to his
flaws.
Paul
Discovers Farouk’s Betrayal
One
day, Paul receives a phone call from a woman who claims to be Farouk’s fiancée.
She
says that Farouk has been engaged to her for months and is cheating on Sang.
Paul
hesitates to tell Sang, knowing it will devastate her, but ultimately decides
she deserves the truth.
Sang’s
Heartbreak & Paul’s Failed Support
When
Paul tells Sang about Farouk’s betrayal, she is initially in denial.
Eventually,
Sang confronts Farouk, and he coldly confirms that he is engaged to someone
else.
Sang
is shattered and breaks up with him.
Paul,
hoping to be a source of comfort, offers support but doesn’t confess his own
feelings.
Sang
Leaves Boston & Their Lives Drift Apart
Heartbroken,
Sang decides to move away from Boston to escape her past.
She
cuts contact with Paul, despite his silent affection for her.
Paul
is left alone in the apartment, reflecting on the fact that he never had a real
place in Sang’s life.
Analysis of Nobody’s Business
Title
Meaning: “Nobody’s Business”
The
phrase reflects how people often believe they shouldn’t interfere in others’
relationships, even when they see clear warning signs.
Paul
initially thinks it’s not his place to get involved, but ultimately, he does
intervene—yet it changes nothing for him.
It
also mirrors Sang’s mistake—she ignored red flags in Farouk because she
believed their love was “nobody’s business.”
Theme
of Unrequited Love
Paul
loves Sang but never confesses—he is a passive observer in her life.
His
love is one-sided and unnoticed, just as Sang’s love for Farouk was not truly
reciprocated.
The
story shows the pain of loving someone who doesn’t love you back.
Cultural
Expectations & Rebellion
Sang
rejects her Bengali parents’ expectations that she marry an Indian man.
She
believes in love over cultural norms but ironically, she ends up heartbroken
and alone.
This
raises the question: Was her rebellion worth it? Or was she just unlucky in
love?
Paul’s
Passivity & Loneliness
Paul
never takes action in his own love life—he waits, observes, and hopes.
In
the end, Sang leaves without ever knowing how he felt.
His
passivity results in a lonely and empty conclusion to the story.
Farouk’s
Deception & Power Dynamics
Farouk
never truly cared for Sang—he was only with her for convenience.
His
ability to juggle two relationships without guilt shows how power imbalances
exist in love.
Sang’s
blind devotion made her vulnerable, while Farouk was always in control.
Conclusion
“Nobody’s
Business” is a poignant story about the pain of unreciprocated love, cultural
conflicts, and the consequences of ignoring red flags in relationships.
Paul’s
silent love for Sang mirrors Sang’s blind love for Farouk.
Sang
learns a painful lesson about trust and betrayal.
In
the end, both Paul and Sang are left alone—Paul because he never spoke up, and
Sang because she gave her heart to the wrong person.
This
story is a deeply relatable exploration of love, loss, and the choices we
regret.
Important
Characters & Places in Nobody’s Business
Main Characters
1.
Paul (The Narrator & Protagonist)
A
quiet, reserved PhD student in classics.
Secretly
in love with Sang,
but never confesses his feelings.
An
observer
in the story—he watches Sang’s relationship with Farouk unfold but hesitates to
interfere.
Represents
passive love and loneliness—he never acts on his emotions, leading to regret and
isolation.
2.
Sang (The Central Female Character)
A
Bengali-American woman,
independent and strong-willed.
Defies
her parents' cultural expectations by dating Farouk instead of an Indian man.
Deeply
in love with Farouk,
despite his indifference and warning signs.
Ends
up heartbroken
when she learns Farouk has been cheating on her.
Leaves
Boston to escape her pain, cutting ties with Paul in the process.
3.
Farouk (Sang’s Boyfriend & Antagonist)
An
Egyptian man,
charming but emotionally distant.
Flirts
with other women openly and rarely makes an effort in the
relationship.
Secretly
engaged to another woman, betraying Sang’s trust.
Symbolizes
deception and the illusion of love—Sang believes he loves her, but he never truly commits.
4.
Sang’s Parents
Traditional
Bengali immigrants
who disapprove of Sang’s relationship with Farouk.
Want her to marry a Bengali
man, leading to conflict between them.
Their disapproval makes Sang
more determined to stay with Farouk, even though he is wrong for her.
Represent cultural
expectations and parental concern, which Sang rejects but later
regrets.
5.
Farouk’s Fiancée
A
woman who calls Paul
to reveal that Farouk has been cheating on Sang.
Represents
the truth
that finally exposes Farouk’s lies.
Though she never directly interacts
with Sang, she plays a crucial role in revealing the betrayal.
6.
Paul’s Other Male Roommate
A
minor character
who lives in the apartment with Paul and Sang.
Has
little impact on the story, serving mainly as background.
Important Places in the Story
1.
Boston (The Main Setting)
The story takes place in a
shared apartment in Boston, where Paul, Sang, and another
roommate live.
Represents a place of
independence for Sang—she is away from her family and making her own
choices.
Becomes a place of heartbreak
and disappointment after Sang discovers Farouk’s betrayal.
2.
Paul & Sang’s Shared Apartment
The main setting where Paul
observes Sang’s relationship unfold.
A space that represents Paul’s
silent longing for Sang and his inability to express his
feelings.
After Sang leaves, the apartment
becomes a symbol of Paul’s loneliness.
3.
Farouk’s City (Not Named, But Symbolic)
Farouk does not live in
Boston—he only visits Sang occasionally.
His distance mirrors his
emotional detachment—he is never truly present in Sang’s life.
4.
Sang’s Parents’ Home
The place where Sang’s traditional
Bengali parents live.
Symbolizes cultural
expectations—they want her to live a more traditional life.
Sang rebels against their
wishes, only to later realize they were right about Farouk.
Conclusion
The
characters and places in Nobody’s Business shape its themes of love,
betrayal, cultural conflict, and regret.
Paul’s
apartment
is a place of watching and waiting, where he never acts on his
feelings.
Boston
is a place of independence but also heartbreak for Sang.
Farouk’s
city represents emotional distance and deception.
Each
character and place plays a crucial role in this poignant story about
unreciprocated love and painful realizations.
Important Questions
What
is the significance of the title Nobody’s Business?
Answer:
The
title reflects the idea that people often avoid interfering in others’ personal
lives, even when they see trouble. Paul initially believes Sang’s relationship
is not his concern, but he ultimately gets involved by telling her about
Farouk’s betrayal. It also highlights how Sang dismisses red flags, thinking
that her love life is “nobody’s business” but her own—until it’s too late.
What
is Paul’s role in the story, and how does he change?
Answer:
Paul
is a passive observer who secretly loves Sang but never confesses his feelings.
He starts as a silent admirer, watching her fall for the wrong man. When he
learns about Farouk’s betrayal, he takes action for the first time by telling
her the truth. However, his efforts do not bring them closer, and in the end,
he remains lonely and unchanged, still a bystander in his own life.
How
does Sang’s relationship with Farouk reflect the theme of self-deception?
Answer:
Sang
ignores clear warning signs about Farouk—his lack of commitment, flirting, and
emotional distance. She believes in their relationship despite his
indifference, deceiving herself into thinking he truly loves her. This
highlights how people stay in unhealthy relationships out of love, pride, or
fear of being alone.
Why
does Sang’s family disapprove of Farouk? How does cultural expectation play a
role in the story?
Answer:
Sang’s
Bengali parents want her to marry within their culture. They disapprove of
Farouk, partly because he is not Indian, but also because they sense he is not
serious about her.
Their
disapproval angers Sang, making her even more determined to stay with Farouk.
The
story explores how immigrant children often rebel against traditional values,
even when their parents may be right.
What
does Farouk represent in the story?
Answer:
Farouk
represents the illusion of love and the dangers of emotional manipulation.
He
never fully commits to Sang, yet he keeps her emotionally attached.
He
is selfish and deceitful, using Sang while maintaining a separate life.
His
character highlights how some people take advantage of others’ devotion without
offering real love in return.
Why
does Paul hesitate to tell Sang about Farouk’s betrayal?
Answer:
Paul
knows that telling Sang will hurt her deeply, and he is unsure if it is his
place to interfere. He also fears that even if he exposes Farouk, Sang might
not believe him or push him away. This dilemma reflects the moral struggle of
deciding whether to intervene in someone else’s personal life.
Why
does Sang leave Boston, and what does it symbolize?
Answer:
Sang
leaves because she is heartbroken and humiliated. Her departure symbolizes:
The
need to escape painful memories and start fresh.
The
consequences of misplaced trust—she gave her heart to the wrong person and lost
everything.
Paul’s
ultimate failure—even though he loved her, he couldn’t stop her pain or win her
love.
What
does Paul’s loneliness at the end of the story signify?
Answer:
Paul’s
loneliness reflects the theme of unspoken love and missed opportunities. He
never told Sang how he felt, and in the end, he is left with nothing but
regret. His isolation suggests that passivity in love leads to emptiness.
How
does Lahiri use irony in the story?
Answer:
Sang
defies her parents for love, yet she ends up abandoned and heartbroken.
Paul,
the only man who genuinely cares for her, is ignored.
Sang
believes Farouk is her future, but he was never serious about her.
This
irony emphasizes the gap between expectations and reality in love and
relationships.
What
are the major themes of Nobody’s Business?
Answer:
Unrequited
Love – Paul loves Sang, but she never notices.
Self-Deception
– Sang ignores signs of betrayal.
Cultural
Expectations vs. Individual Choices – Sang rebels against her parents but still
suffers.
The
Pain of Intervening – Paul struggles with whether to tell Sang the truth.
Loneliness
& Missed Opportunities – Paul is left alone, regretting his silence.
Conclusion
These
questions explore the emotional depth, irony, and tragic realism in Nobody’s
Business. The story is a powerful look at love, betrayal, and the heartbreak of
watching someone choose the wrong person.
Important Quotes
1. “It was none of Paul’s business, he knew,
whom Sang loved.”
✅ Significance:
This
line establishes Paul’s passive role in Sang’s life.
He
is deeply in love with her but feels he has no right to interfere in her
choices.
The
phrase “none of his business” reflects the central conflict—when should someone
step in to warn a loved one about a bad decision?
2.
“Sang was the sort of person who fell in love quickly, and deeply, and lost
herself in it.”
✅ Significance:
Highlights
Sang’s emotional intensity and her tendency to ignore red flags.
Suggests
that her devotion to Farouk is blind—she gives her heart fully, even to someone
who does not deserve it.
3.
“Farouk’s interest in Sang had been occasional, convenient. He loved her only
when it suited him.”
✅ Significance:
Reveals
Farouk’s true nature—he was never fully committed.
The
contrast between Sang’s deep love and Farouk’s casual indifference makes her
betrayal even more tragic.
Highlights
a key theme: imbalanced relationships, where one person cares much more than
the other.
4.
“Paul realized then that no one in Sang’s life, not even her family, had the
ability to protect her from herself.”
✅ Significance:
Reflects
Paul’s helplessness—he sees Sang’s mistake but cannot stop her from making it.
Reinforces
the theme of self-deception—Sang chooses not to see the truth until it’s too
late.
5.
“She was furious, not at Farouk but at Paul, for telling her what she didn’t
want to believe.”
✅ Significance:
Sang’s
initial reaction to the truth—she lashes out at Paul, not Farouk.
Shows
how people often resist painful truths, even when they need to hear them.
Paul,
despite caring for Sang, ends up pushed away for trying to help her.
6.
“In the end, she left, and Paul remained, as if he had never mattered at all.”
✅ Significance:
The
story’s tragic conclusion—Sang moves on, leaving Paul behind.
Paul’s
love was never acknowledged, his feelings never returned.
Highlights
the theme of unrequited love and missed opportunities.
7.
“It was a lesson Sang had to learn the hard way.”
✅ Significance:
Suggests
that some lessons in life can’t be taught—they must be experienced.
Sang
had to go through heartbreak and betrayal to understand the mistake she made.
Relates
to the broader theme of painful personal growth.
8.
“Love, Paul thought, was not always a matter of deserving.”
✅ Significance:
Reflects
the unfair nature of love—Sang loves Farouk despite his flaws, while Paul loves
Sang but remains invisible to her.
Shows
that love is not always rational—it doesn’t go to the person who is kind or
loyal, but often to someone who takes it for granted.
Conclusion
These
quotes capture the key emotions and themes of Nobody’s Business: unrequited
love, self-deception, betrayal, and the pain of learning difficult truths.
Paul
watches, but never acts.
Sang
loves, but trusts the wrong man.
Farouk
deceives, but faces no real consequences.
