One last note: The iceberg

In trying to look at the book from a psychoanalytical perspective, I noticed that by using en media res Kirchner has given ample opportunity for one to analyze the book as whole in terms of the questionable but still somewhat sensible iceberg theorem-- the id, the ego, and the superego. The conflicts of the characters can be viewed in this manner as well as large chunks of the plot.

It can be said that Nina is the superego of the iceberg system of characters. Not only does she try to keep all relations amicable (and it IS her 81st birthday during the current plot line of the story), but also, she tries to forge the relationships themselves. Nina's attempt to reconcile many of the characters could also make her an ego of sorts among several different conflicting ids and super egos.

However, better suited to the book in terms of psychoanalytical examination is the concept of anima versus animus. I saw this moment very close to the end of the book when the two sisters reunite while cooking. During this part, they reveal their frustrations with each and Sujata, usually a "tough woman," finally shows a sign of weakness through her "crumpled face" as she accidentally touches on a sensitive subject about her affair with Pranab, which could be viewed as the anima creeping out onto her animus or masculine exterior, as upon the sisters' return to Darjeeling suddenly Sujata seems to be the hardier one of the two.

Or perhaps the roles have been switched in terms of masculinity and feminineness among Aloka, Pranab, and Sujata.  Pranab's weakness and inability to defend for himself or help himself back in Darjeeling would most likely represent the anima, whereas Aloka and Sujata dominate over Pranab in his weakness (having overcome his duplicity of both of them, naturally) and shows what could be viewed as strength or masculinity, represented by the animus.

Defensive mechanisms also seem to have a role in the book. During their lives in North America, Sujata and Aloka seem to have undergone sublimation, transforming any pain they had into their work (Though this is mainly Sujata) and allowing them to release any hard feelings that they have against Pranab and eventually each other. Occasionally, however, Aloka will project her feelings of not being able to be a good wife to Pranab in her anger about their relationship (this is what I assume at least). But more importantly, the entire book is about the sublimation of the sisters as they are able to move onto bigger and better things.