MIGRANT’S ACROSS BORDERS: AN ENVISAGE TO ENTAIL THE CONTOUR IN THE NOVEL NAMESAKE PENNED BY JHUMPA LAHIRI

This paper investigates the themes of dual identity, cultural dislocation, and generational conflict in Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake, an influential piece in the realm of diasporic literature. Through the perspective of the main character, Gogol Ganguli, along with his immigrant family, the narrative powerfully portrays the challenges of maneuvering through two distinct cultural realms, struggling with the feelings of being trapped between heritage and contemporary life. Lahiri explores the intricacies of naming as a symbol for identity, assessing its impact on self-identity and cultural ties. By revealing the nuances of assimilation and resistance within a diverse world, the novel underscores the difficulties faced by second-generation immigrants striving to harmonize inherited cultural traditions with current societal norms. This paper will analyze how Lahiri’s storytelling reveals the formation of hybrid identities, the importance of nostalgia, and the dynamics between cultural conservation and change. Ultimately, this assessment emphasizes The Namesake as a moving depiction of the diasporic journey, shining a light on transnational enquiries.