Identity in Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake: A Deconstructive Perspective

Volume 2 Issue 2 Monsoon Edition 2022

Abstract

Aim: The paper is a modest attempt to showcase the anti-essentialist and indeterminate nature of human identity; it is split into three distinct parts. The first part deliberates on the anti-essentialist constructivist approach of identity specifically focusing on its fluidity and mutability. The second part is meant to highlight the place of Jhumpa Lahiri in the literary world. Finally, the last part is focused on articulating the themes of self- construction, identity formation and the role of society and culture in the making of identities. Methodology and Approach: The paper is based on the novel The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri. It employs a deconstructive approach to meditate on the concept of identity as portrayed in the novel. Conclusion and Suggestion: The paper concludes with the idea that identity is an ever- evolving entity, which is influenced and transformed by various social, cultural and religious overtones. When individuals migrate from one location to another, they inevitably suffer the loss of identity and belongingness in host countries. Many diaspora writers have depicted these experiences of migration, displacement, alienation, distortion of identity in their works. Jhumpa Lahiri is also one of them who appears to be dealing with the subjects concerning the fluidity of identity, migration, dislocation and displacement in her works.