Liminal Identity and In-Betweenness in Diasporic Literature

Abstract

The influence of diasporic literature on literature throughout the globe is immense and transcends linguistic boundaries. Actually, any belletristic work written by a person residing outside of their home country but including tropes and themes relevant to their hometown is called diasporic literature. Elements fundamental to this literary style include a sense of estrangement, displacement, nostalgia, and the quest for one's true identity. Uma Parameswaran, an Indian poet, dramatist, and short story writer, argues that immigrants go through distinct stages. "First is one of nostalgia for the homeland left behind, mingled with fear in a strange land." One important thing to keep in mind is the generational divide among Indian diasporic writers. The older generation, like Jhumpa Lahiri, has a vibrant and modern nostalgia for India, while the younger generation feels wistful and regressive looking back. This generational divide is explored in The Namesake, which will be discussed in a few pages. It is worth noting that Jhumpa Lahiri sought to portray diaspora as a mixed blessing. Her characters purposefully strive to maintain family bonds while navigating the cultural norms and ways of life of their adopted nation, which their children have inherited, but it becomes a heavy burden for them. As a result of this study, we now have a better understanding of the Occidental Culture/Oriental Culture dichotomy that Lahiri examines in The Namesake, especially during Gogol's time at Maxine's house.