Comparative Analysis of Identity Crisis in The Novels Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake and Kiran Desai’s The Inheritance of Loss

Abstract

In today’s interconnected world, immigration has emerged as a key element in our social dynamics. Individuals’ cross borders in search of economic benefits, political stability and economic opportunities. Immigrants often face identity crises as they strive to maintain cultural roots or adapting to the dominant culture for acceptance. The theme of identity crises is explored in Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake and Kiran Desai’s The Inheritance of Loss. Jhumpa Lahiri and Kiran Desai are prominent writers in the postcolonial era. With their evocative writing both authors provide valuable insights into human experience. The theme of identity crises is poignantly expressed in their novels. In The Inheritance of Loss, Desai uses multiple narrative structure to link to the narratives of characters from diverse backgrounds. In Namesake, Jhumpa Lahiri employs a more straightforward chronological narrative with third person omniscient narration. Jhumpa Lahiri was born in England to Bengali parents and brought up in united states. Her immigrant experiences are deeply reflected in the novel The Namesake. Kiran Desai was born in India and led her formative life in both India and United states. Her transnational background and multicultural exposure is reflected in her novel The Inheritance of Loss. The theme of identity, cultural displacement, immigrant experience, impact of colonialism are very well depicted in their novels.