Find the sources to this essay: In Jhumpa Lahiri's novel, The Namesake, the protagonist Gogol Ganguli undergoes a transformation in his concept of home and belonging as he grapples with his dual identity as an Indian American. Throughout the story, Gogol struggles with feelings of not fitting in with either culture, which ultimately shapes his definition of home and where he belongs.
One significant way in which Gogol's definition of home changes is through his confusion about his identity, which affects his relationships with his family and girlfriend. For instance, Gogol's girlfriend, Maxine, points out his discomfort with his name and suggests that he should change it to Nikhil. This moment of self-realization highlights Gogol's struggle with his identity and how it impacts his sense of belonging. Additionally, Gogol's strained relationship with his parents, particularly his mother, adds to his feeling of not genuinely having a home. Despite his physical surroundings, Gogol's emotional connection to his family plays a significant role in shaping his definition of home.
Moreover, Gogol's inability to fit in with his American friends due to his Indian heritage plays a crucial role in shaping his understanding of home. Gogol's desire to distance himself from his cultural roots, including his name, reflects his struggle with feeling accepted by others. This conflict between his dual identities creates a sense of alienation in Gogol, as he grapples with where he truly belongs. The pressure to conform to American ideals adds to Gogol's internal turmoil and further complicates his sense of home.
Furthermore, Gogol's conflicting attitudes with both American and Indian cultures contribute to his evolving definition of home. As he navigates the expectations of his family and societal norms, Gogol must reconcile his personal beliefs with those of his heritage. This disconnect between his inner thoughts and outward actions creates a sense of displacement, as Gogol struggles to find a sense of belonging in either culture. This internal conflict shapes how Gogol perceives home, as he grapples with where he fits in and where his true sense of belonging lies.
In conclusion, Gogol's shifting understanding of home throughout The Namesake is influenced by his confusion about his identity, his struggle to fit in with his American friends, and his conflicting attitudes with both cultures. As he wrestles with his dual heritage, Gogol must navigate issues of acceptance and cultural identity to find a true sense of belonging. Ultimately, Gogol's journey underscores the complexities of identity and how it shapes one's perception of home.
1. Lahiri, Jhumpa. The Namesake. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2003.
2. Alter, Robert. "Book Review: 'The Namesake' by Jhumpa Lahiri." The New York Times, 14 September 2003, www.nytimes.com/2003/09/14/books/the-things-that-name-us.html.
3. Chakrabarti, Sharmila M. "Displacement and Dislocation of the Self in Jhumpa Lahiri's The Namesake." Literary Discourses: East and West, vol. 8, no. 1, 2016, pp. 58-72.
4. Heble, Ajay. "Transnationalism and Displacement in Jhumpa Lahiri's The Namesake." The Comparatist, vol. 39, 2015, pp. 219-236.
5. Basumatary, Goutam. "Alienation and Identity Crisis in Jhumpa Lahiri's The Namesake." Journal of ELT and Applied Linguistics, vol. 4, no. 2, 2016, pp. 79-88.