Theme of Acculturation in Manju Kapur's the Immigrant

Abstract

The paper discusses on the theme of Acculturation in the novel The Immigrant by Manju Kapur. The theme Acculturation is the adaptation of the culture and beliefs of another group or country. In the novel The Immigrant, the major characters Nina and Ananda who are from an orthodox family undergo acculturation. Their marriage which is an arranged one begins with the motive of one for one, but later breaks because of their undue expectations and extramarital relationships. Their relationship came to an end when they failed to raise a family of their own. Moreover their ways of dressing, food habits and in ideas about marriage and family, both Nina and Ananda and their family succumbed to the western culture. Finally, they become the citizens of Canada with expectations of starting a fresh new life. Acculturation has relieved them from their bondage and freed them to live independently.