Reclaiming Identity: The Predicament of Diaspora in Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake

Abstract

A study of the “Diaspora Space” demonstrates how an individual’s identity develops where disparity emerges and how physical, mental and social attitudes influence and shape identity. In recent decades, not only have personal identities shifted tremendously, but so have relationships with one’s birthplace. It has lost its stability and immigrants are gaining global citizenship.

According to a comparative novel analysis, all protagonists strive to establish a strong presence in distant nations, but not all succeed. Everyone in the Diaspora attempts to carve themselves a niche in the host country, but each does so in their own unique way. Analysing diaspora space and other diaspora-related identity issues can help the people understand how and where identities emerge, as well as how and where disparities are created and recreated.