2020, Vol. 2, Issue 2, Part A

Author(s): Kiran Dalal

Abstract: Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake explores the complexities of identity and the immigrant experience through the life of Gogol Ganguli, a first-generation American born to Bengali parents. The novel vividly portrays the internal and external struggles faced by individuals in the diaspora as they navigate the tension between their cultural heritage and the demands of assimilation in a foreign society. Through Gogol’s journey of self-discovery, the narrative delves into themes of belonging, family, and cultural conflict. This paper examines how Lahiri’s portrayal of the immigrant experience highlights the challenges of forming an identity in the context of displacement, and the role of names, language, and tradition in shaping one’s sense of self. By analyzing the narrative structure and key motifs, the paper also sheds light on the broader implications of diaspora literature in representing the nuanced experiences of immigrant communities.

Pages: 114-118 | Views: 62 | Downloads: 43

Download Full Article: Click Here