Problematic Identity in the diasporic writings of Jhumpa Lahiri

Abstract

In this paper, Jhumpa Lahiri’s novel The Namesake’s characters of Indian descent and immigrants in the United States are examined in relation to their name problems, sense of identity, and sense of belonging. Jhumpa Lahiri’s novel The Namesake is a poignant portrayal of the struggles of the Bengali-American diaspora, as well as the complexities of identity and belonging that arise as a result of displacement. Through the lens of the Ganguli family, Lahiri explores how their experiences of migration and adaptation in the United States affect their sense of self and their connection to their cultural heritage. The Namesake is the idea of a problematic identity, which arises when individuals in the diaspora are caught between two cultures and struggle to reconcile their cultural heritage with the demands and expectations of their new environment. Through her depiction of these characters and their experiences, Lahiri highlights the challenges of navigating multiple cultural identities and the tensions that can arise as a result. She also shows how these challenges can lead to a sense of alienation and dislocation, as well as a profound longing for connection and a sense of belonging.