Struggle for Identity in Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake

Abstract

In the fast globalizing world in which the boundaries are becoming redundant, it is expected to be cultural bonhomie and co-operation. But in the case of migrants and their descendents such talks still remain in the realm of ideals. Different problems are encountered whenever people belonging to different cultural backgrounds meet at a point. Now, when the migration is voluntary and the rapid means of transportation are accessible and affordable, the homesickness is not as acute as it is in the case of indentured laborers. But still the issue of equation with the people of the host country remains problematic. There are several expectations and reservations at both sides, due to which biases develop. Body colour, creed, lifestyle, profession etc. are unexpectedly different, for which lack of knowledge is to blame. As for reservation, an amount of conservation is integral to all societies. One does not want to change oneself, but expects the other to change all the same. The immigrants have to suffer in this process. To some extent they accept this discriminatory discourse about themselves and try to compromise.