EXPLORATION OF BENGALI -AMERICAN IDENTITY IN JHUMPA LAHIRI’S NOVEL THE NAMESAKE

Abstract

The namesake focuses on the division between assimilated American children and Indian migrants.  Author focuses on how culture helped in shaping American identity. According to Bengali culture two names for a single person is their culture. Diversity in Culture ,as well American food habits even plays a crucial role in shaping American identity. Indian parents had to integrate the American way of living in order to satisfy their children’s needs .However this facilitates diminishing of the Indian culture as more Indian people choose or appreciate the American identity. They believe that they can lead a life as they dream if they get more exposed to American culture. Characters of this novels are forced to adopt both Indian and American values. Living in this two environments has an important role in shaping the American identity. Classic and comfortable living associated with it has led to a majority of  immigrants abandoning their native places in favour of American way of life.