A Migration to Self-Actualization: A Theoretical study on the characters Ashima and Dolly

Abstract

This article delves into the theoretical study of the characters Ashima and Dolly as they navigate their migration journey towards self-actualization. Ashima's character is taken from the novel The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri, while Dolly's character is from the novel The Glass Palace by Amitav Ghosh. The article explores the psychological mindset of migrants, their lifestyle, and the challenges they face in a new land. It focuses on the transformation of these characters through the process of migration, highlighting the struggles and suffering they endure. The article portrays the hardships faced by women during migration and how they confront these challenges in their lives. To analyze the characters' psychology, Abraham Maslow's self-actualization theory is utilized. This theory examines the characters' physiological needs, safety needs, love and belonging needs, esteem needs, and ultimately, their journey towards self-actualization. The characters' progression from migration to self-actualization is thoroughly analyzed, providing a detailed insight into their lives. Both characters experience numerous struggles, pain, suffering, and self-identity crises. The primary objective of this article is to assess whether they achieve self-actualization by the end of the novel. It explores what motivates them to make decisive choices and how they strive towards self-actualization to lead fulfilling lives in their respective novels.