Motifs : A Peer Reviewed International Journal of English Studies

  • Year: 2024
  • Volume: 10
  • Issue: 1

Jhumpa lahiri: The chronicles of identity, exile, and belon’ging

Research Scholar of English, K.L. Deemed to be University, Vaddeswaram, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

“For Lahari’s immigrants, home is a shifting space-one that exists in memories, traditions, and the act of remembering.”- Aparajita De, South Asian Review.

Jhumpa Lahiri, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, has established herself as a prominent voice in contemporary literature through her exploration of themes such as identity, displacement, and the immigrant experience. Her works offer a profound examination of the complexities faced by individuals living between two cultures, often focusing on the Indian-American diaspora. Lahiri’s debut collection, Interpreter of Maladies, brought her into the literary spotlight with its poignant portrayal of characters grappling with cultural assimilation and personal dilemmas. Her subsequent novels, including The Namesake, Unaccustomed Earth, and The Lowland, further delve into the emotional and psychological struggles of her characters, highlighting issues of self-discovery, familial conflict, and the sense of exile. Lahiri’s evocative prose and insightful character studies provide a nuanced and empathetic perspective on the immigrant experience, making her one of the most influential literary figures of our time. Through her work, Lahiri captures the universal quest for identity and belonging, resonating deeply with readers across the globe. Jhumpa Lahiri explores themes of identity, displacement, and belonging in her work, reflecting the complexities of the immigrant experience. Her novels and short stories delve into the challenges faced by Indian-American characters as they navigate cultural assimilation and generational conflicts. Lahiri’s debut collection, Interpreter of Maladies, established her as a significant literary voice, and her subsequent works, including The Namesake, Unaccustomed Earth, and The Lowland, further examine the emotional landscapes of her characters. Through her evocative storytelling, Lahiri provides a poignant and nuanced portrayal of the immigrant experience, making her one of the most important contemporary literary figures. Self-discovery

Keywords

Assimilation, Conflict, Displacement, Evocative immigrant, Poignant, Resonate self-discovery