International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Humanities and Social Science. IJHSSI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Humanities and Social Science, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
Of Love and Betrayal, Sin and Redemption, Exile and Return: Recapturing the S...iosrjce
IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science is a double blind peer reviewed International Journal edited by International Organization of Scientific Research (IOSR).The Journal provides a common forum where all aspects of humanities and social sciences are presented. IOSR-JHSS publishes original papers, review papers, conceptual framework, analytical and simulation models, case studies, empirical research, technical notes etc.
This document provides a summary and analysis of Jhumpa Lahiri's short story collection Interpreter of Maladies. It discusses how the stories address themes of cultural displacement, identity crises, and the struggles of immigrants navigating two worlds. The first story analyzed, "A Temporary Matter," examines how a loss can lead to breakdown in communication between a couple in Boston. It shows their inability to adapt to their new environment. The second story discussed, "When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine," depicts a young girl's observations of cultural similarities between her family and a visiting professor from Bangladesh. It establishes simple variations that separate immigrants from natives. The title story portrays a mismatched Indian-American couple
This document provides an analysis of Jhumpa Lahiri's representations of Indian immigrant women in her fiction. It examines how Lahiri's early works depict conventional images of Indian femininity that align with socio-historical constructions, portraying first-generation immigrant women as confined to domestic roles and tasked with upholding cultural traditions. However, the document argues that Lahiri's novel The Lowland breaks from these stereotypes through the character of Gauri, who crosses both physical and ideological boundaries. By giving voice to individual experiences, Lahiri challenges homogenizing narratives of diaspora and depicts how immigration involves navigating specific socio-cultural contexts for women.
Bapsi Sidhwa's novel Ice Candy Man presents a feminist perspective on the partition of India in 1947. Through the character of Lenny, a young handicapped girl, Sidhwa narrates the story and highlights the suppression and marginalization of women in a patriarchal society. Several female characters like Lenny, her Ayah, mother, and Godmother are depicted as strong yet face exploitation by men. The novel captures the violence and brutality faced especially by women during the religious riots of partition. It provides a neutral view of the events and their impact on inter-community relations, in contrast to male-authored works of the time.
The document provides a literary analysis of Bapsi Sidhwa's novel Ice-Candy-Man from a feminist perspective. It discusses how the novel depicts the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society during the partition of India in 1947 through various female characters. It analyzes how the female characters are marginalized and victimized by men through acts of violence, rape, and lack of autonomy. The analysis argues that Sidhwa uses the novel to advocate for women's rights and equality and a world free of gender-based domination and hierarchy.
This summary provides an overview of the book "The Help" in 3 sentences:
The book tells the story of three women - Skeeter, Aibileen and Minny - living in Jackson, Mississippi in 1962, where racial tensions are high. Skeeter has just graduated from college and wants to write an anonymous book featuring the stories of black maids. The maids agree to share their experiences, despite the risks, in order to challenge the racial injustices they face on a daily basis.
Bapsi Sidhwa is a leading Pakistani writer known for her novels reflecting her experience witnessing the bloody Partition of India as a young child in 1947. She received extensive education in Pakistan and India before marrying young and starting a family. For many years she wrote secretly but is now internationally acclaimed for novels like Cracking India which tell the personal stories and aftermath of Partition through the eyes of a young Parsi girl. As a religious minority, Sidhwa was able to observe the conflict between Hindus and Muslims from a neutral perspective. She highlights the political failings and damage to women during the violence while also using humor in her writing.
Bapsi Sidhwa is a renowned Pakistani writer known for her novels focusing on women's experiences during the Partition of India. Her 1981 novel The Bride tells the story of Zaitoon, a young girl who loses her parents at age 4 and is raised by her cousin Qasim. Against her wishes, Qasim arranges her marriage at 16 to an abusive man in the hills. The novel depicts Zaitoon's struggle to survive this oppressive marriage and critique's women's repression in Pakistani society under tribal customs and codes of honor. Sidhwa is praised as a feminist writer for portraying strong female characters and exposing the gender-based rules that women are subjected to.
Of Love and Betrayal, Sin and Redemption, Exile and Return: Recapturing the S...iosrjce
IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science is a double blind peer reviewed International Journal edited by International Organization of Scientific Research (IOSR).The Journal provides a common forum where all aspects of humanities and social sciences are presented. IOSR-JHSS publishes original papers, review papers, conceptual framework, analytical and simulation models, case studies, empirical research, technical notes etc.
This document provides a summary and analysis of Jhumpa Lahiri's short story collection Interpreter of Maladies. It discusses how the stories address themes of cultural displacement, identity crises, and the struggles of immigrants navigating two worlds. The first story analyzed, "A Temporary Matter," examines how a loss can lead to breakdown in communication between a couple in Boston. It shows their inability to adapt to their new environment. The second story discussed, "When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine," depicts a young girl's observations of cultural similarities between her family and a visiting professor from Bangladesh. It establishes simple variations that separate immigrants from natives. The title story portrays a mismatched Indian-American couple
This document provides an analysis of Jhumpa Lahiri's representations of Indian immigrant women in her fiction. It examines how Lahiri's early works depict conventional images of Indian femininity that align with socio-historical constructions, portraying first-generation immigrant women as confined to domestic roles and tasked with upholding cultural traditions. However, the document argues that Lahiri's novel The Lowland breaks from these stereotypes through the character of Gauri, who crosses both physical and ideological boundaries. By giving voice to individual experiences, Lahiri challenges homogenizing narratives of diaspora and depicts how immigration involves navigating specific socio-cultural contexts for women.
Bapsi Sidhwa's novel Ice Candy Man presents a feminist perspective on the partition of India in 1947. Through the character of Lenny, a young handicapped girl, Sidhwa narrates the story and highlights the suppression and marginalization of women in a patriarchal society. Several female characters like Lenny, her Ayah, mother, and Godmother are depicted as strong yet face exploitation by men. The novel captures the violence and brutality faced especially by women during the religious riots of partition. It provides a neutral view of the events and their impact on inter-community relations, in contrast to male-authored works of the time.
The document provides a literary analysis of Bapsi Sidhwa's novel Ice-Candy-Man from a feminist perspective. It discusses how the novel depicts the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society during the partition of India in 1947 through various female characters. It analyzes how the female characters are marginalized and victimized by men through acts of violence, rape, and lack of autonomy. The analysis argues that Sidhwa uses the novel to advocate for women's rights and equality and a world free of gender-based domination and hierarchy.
This summary provides an overview of the book "The Help" in 3 sentences:
The book tells the story of three women - Skeeter, Aibileen and Minny - living in Jackson, Mississippi in 1962, where racial tensions are high. Skeeter has just graduated from college and wants to write an anonymous book featuring the stories of black maids. The maids agree to share their experiences, despite the risks, in order to challenge the racial injustices they face on a daily basis.
Bapsi Sidhwa is a leading Pakistani writer known for her novels reflecting her experience witnessing the bloody Partition of India as a young child in 1947. She received extensive education in Pakistan and India before marrying young and starting a family. For many years she wrote secretly but is now internationally acclaimed for novels like Cracking India which tell the personal stories and aftermath of Partition through the eyes of a young Parsi girl. As a religious minority, Sidhwa was able to observe the conflict between Hindus and Muslims from a neutral perspective. She highlights the political failings and damage to women during the violence while also using humor in her writing.
Bapsi Sidhwa is a renowned Pakistani writer known for her novels focusing on women's experiences during the Partition of India. Her 1981 novel The Bride tells the story of Zaitoon, a young girl who loses her parents at age 4 and is raised by her cousin Qasim. Against her wishes, Qasim arranges her marriage at 16 to an abusive man in the hills. The novel depicts Zaitoon's struggle to survive this oppressive marriage and critique's women's repression in Pakistani society under tribal customs and codes of honor. Sidhwa is praised as a feminist writer for portraying strong female characters and exposing the gender-based rules that women are subjected to.
The document provides an in-depth analysis of Bapsi Sidhwa's novel Ice-Candy-Man and its portrayal of the partition of India. The summary is:
1) Ice-Candy-Man uses the perspective of a young girl to depict the rising tensions and violence between Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs during the partition.
2) The novel illustrates the breakdown of communal relations and social mores as religious extremism took hold.
3) Sidhwa provides historical context and accurately captures the trauma experienced by all communities during this violent period of history.
The novel "Our Sister Killjoy" by Ama Ata Aidoo is divided into four sections. It follows Sissie, a young Ghanaian woman, as she travels to Germany and London. In Germany, she observes how her fellow African expatriates have abandoned their culture and identity. In London, she sees how many Africans live in poor conditions under colonial rule. Throughout her travels, Sissie challenges the stereotypes and colonial mindsets she encounters. In the final section, Sissie writes a confrontational love letter critiquing African expatriates who refuse to return home and help build their nation.
Mahasweta Devi - Draupadi & Gangor (Choli ke Peeche)kwaller42
Mahasweta Devi was an Indian writer and social activist. The document discusses two of her most celebrated works, Draupadi and Choli Ke Peeche. Draupadi tells the story of a tribal woman who is repeatedly raped in police custody but refuses to be defeated, confronting her abuser naked. Choli Ke Peeche depicts a tribal woman who is ostracized from her village after her photograph is taken topless, leading her down a path of abuse and prostitution. Both stories portray women reclaiming power over their bodies and identities in the face of oppression. The document argues that Devi used women's bodies as symbols of resistance against social norms and objectification.
Jumpha Lahiri is one of the most remarkable women novelists, whose novels are concerned mainly with social and political themes of the East-West Encounter. Her serious concern is with the cross-cultural consciousness of her characters. She gives a graphic picture of the theme of immigration and alienation of the uprooted individuals in her novel The Namesake (2003) .The novel is based on the theme of immigration of native Indians who went to America; it deals with the theme of coloured immigrants in USA and presents their difficulties of adjustment there. These uprooted individuals, Ashoke and Ashima, symbolize two sides of the immigrant experience and also suffer from exile, alienation and humiliation. This paper tries to focus the diasporas‟ sensibilities and handled the thematic concerns like search for identity, displacement, cultural dislocation, isolation and alienation in their novels.
Cedar Falls Authors Festival Overview ppt complete cdCherie Dargan
The Cedar Falls Authors Festival aims to celebrate five nationally known authors with connections to Cedar Falls, Iowa: Bess Streeter Aldrich, Ruth Suckow, James Hearst, Nancy Price, and Robert James Waller. The festival is organized by a core group and sponsored by various local organizations. It features events from May 2017 to May 2018 highlighting the authors' works and connections to Cedar Falls. Major events will take place at venues like the Cedar Falls Public Library and Hearst Center for the Arts. The five authors drew from their experiences growing up or living in Cedar Falls in many of their writings.
Concept of war and patriarchy in Ice Candy ManMaria Aleem
This document provides an analysis of Bapsi Sidhwa's novel "Ice Candy Man" through a feminist lens. It discusses key themes of the novel such as patriarchy, the oppression of women in patriarchal societies, and the impact of war and political violence. Specifically, it analyzes the characterization of the female protagonists Lenny and her Ayah Shanta, and how they represent challenges to patriarchal norms. It also examines how the novel depicts the violence and human costs of the partition of India through the experiences of the ethnic minority Parsi community in Lahore. Overall, the document argues that Sidhwa uses "Ice Candy Man" to portray women's issues and provide a "gyn
This power point introduces the viewer to one of the famous writers from Iowa, Ruth Suckow. Her stories and novels focus on the ordinary lives of the people living in the small towns and farms of Iowa during the 1900s. She is considered a regional writer. Teachers can feel free to use the PPT for their classes. Three of her short stories can be downloaded from the Ruth Suckow website, www.ruthsuckow.org
Ruth suckow -iowa writer presentation c darganCherie Dargan
Ruth Suckow was a famous Iowa author who wrote short stories and novels depicting small town and farm life in Iowa in the early 1900s. She lived in several towns around Iowa and eventually settled in Cedar Falls where she taught and married Ferner Nuhn. Suckow is renowned for her realistic portrayals of rural Iowans and their communities in works like Country People and The Folks. After her death, Ferner and his second wife worked to preserve Suckow's legacy and establish memorials to her in Iowa.
The document provides a detailed summary of Bapsi Sidhwa's novel "The Ice Candy Man". It discusses the author, plot, characters, themes, and reviews of the novel. The major themes explored are the partition of India, dislocation, disintegration, and feminism. The novel is told from the perspective of the narrator, 8-year old Lenny, and focuses on the impact of communal violence on ordinary lives in Lahore before and after partition.
Search of Identity: A study of Manju Kapur’s novel “Difficult Daughters”inventionjournals
This paper presents the woman as an individual who fights against suppression and oppression of the patriarchy. The novel Difficult Daughters sensibly shows the position of women and her longing struggle to establish an identity. Manju Kapur has come out as serious social thinker in her novels because there is a purpose behind her writing. All her novels have been written with a definite purpose because the novelist tries to analyze issues related to the middle class or upper middle class women. Manju Kapur is much interested to present the questions and problems related to women in a larger perspective. In her novels, the women’s questions have emerged essentially in the context of the identity of the new educated middle class. Manju Kapur’s female protagonists are mostly educated. They are strong individuals but imprisoned within the boundary of conservative society. Their education leads them to independent thinking for which their family and society become intolerable to them, in their individual struggle with family and society through which they plunged into a dedicated effort to search an identity for them as qualified women with faultless background. The novelist has portrayed her protagonists as women caught in the conflict between the passions of the flesh and yearning to be a part of the political and intellectual society of today
This document provides a biography of renowned Bengali author Mahasweta Devi. It discusses her upbringing in a family of talented artists and intellectuals. It describes her education including time spent at Tagore's Santiniketan school. It highlights two important events in her writing career - researching the life of Rani Lakshmibai which influenced her choice of subjects and meticulous research methods, and visiting areas like Palamu district where she advocated for bonded labourers and wrote exposing their oppression. The document discusses her focus on writing about socially marginalized groups and key works that brought attention to the struggles of tribals, women and other oppressed communities in India.
Bapsi Sidhwa is a Pakistani author who writes in English and lives in America. Her novel Ice Candy Man takes place during the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan, depicting the human rights violations and conditions people faced. Through the character of Lenny, a Parsee girl, Sidhwa shows how the political changes affected citizens. The novel realistically represents the exploitation and abuse of women. Sidhwa uses code mixing by including Urdu and Punjabi words in conversations to give the story a local flavor and connect to the languages commonly spoken in Pakistan. This novel was one of the first by a Pakistani woman author to describe the experiences of people in Lahore during the partition.
This document provides a summary of Mulk Raj Anand's novel Untouchable and Coolie. It discusses how Untouchable depicts the daily life and angst of Bakha, an 18-year-old sweeper boy in India's caste system. It describes how Bakha faces humiliation and social injustice throughout the day. Coolie follows the life journey of Munoo, an orphan coolie, and shows the miserable life conditions of coolies facing exploitation, poverty and early death. Both novels portray the angst and helplessness of the lower caste characters within the oppressive social structure of pre-independent India.
The story follows Coachman Ali who faithfully visits the post office every day for 5 years hoping for a letter from his daughter Miriam after her marriage, but receives none. He is mocked by post office employees who see him as mad. Ali changes from being a hunter to living only for the hope of Miriam's letter. Though treated poorly, he maintains his daily visits until his death without losing hope of reconnecting with his daughter.
Jayanta Mahapatra is a famous Indian poet who writes in English. Though from Orissa, he has a background in physics. He began writing poetry later in life, in his 40s. Mahapatra is known for his unique style that incorporates imagery and symbols from Hindu culture and the Orissan landscape. Some of the recurring symbols in his poetry include temple bells, funeral pyres, and lepers. His work depicts the culture and hardships of life in Orissa through these symbols and images. Mahapatra's poetry focuses on themes of poverty, hunger, human relationships, and the suffering of women.
Complicated Layers Of Cross Cultural Reality In Bharati Mukherjee's Novel Jas...inventionjournals
This document provides an analysis of cultural collisions experienced by the protagonist Jasmine in Bharati Mukherjee's novel Jasmine. It discusses how Jasmine confronts both Western and Indian cultures throughout her journey from India to America. She struggles with the traditional expectations of Indian culture as a woman but seeks freedom and individuality. While trying to assimilate into American culture by adopting Western names and dress, aspects of Indian culture still influence her at times as she navigates both worlds. The document examines the conflicts Jasmine faces between maintaining her Indian identity versus fully embracing American culture as she progresses on her path to becoming a global citizen.
Anita Desai is an Indian author known for novels that often deal with characters who feel isolated. Some of her most famous works include Fasting, Feasting (1999), which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, and In Custody (1984). Fasting, Feasting tells the story of an Indian family with two daughters and a son and explores the different roles and expectations placed on the children, particularly regarding marriage. Desai now lives in the United States and teaches writing at MIT. Though she lives abroad, her works frequently draw on her experiences growing up in India and comment on cultural differences and the changing roles of women.
The story is about Coachman Ali, who faithfully visits the post office every day for five years hoping for a letter from his daughter Miriam after her marriage. Ali is mocked and ridiculed by post office employees for his daily visits. Overcome by loneliness and illness, Ali's health declines. On his final visit, the rude postmaster angrily scolds Ali. Before dying, Ali extracts a promise to deliver any future letters to his grave. The postmaster then suffers from the same anxiety of not receiving news from his own daughter. Realizing Ali's pain, he remorsefully tries to deliver Miriam's late letter to Ali, but only encounters his apparition. The story highlights the importance of love, sympathy
This novel explores gender inequality and the oppression of women in both traditional Indian and American culture through the story of the characters Uma and her brother Arun. In both cultures, males are portrayed as dominant while females face immense pressure to marry and are often deprived of opportunities for education and independence. Whether in India or America, the characters struggle to find meaningful personal relationships and freedom from patriarchal constraints.
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI)inventionjournals
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Humanities and Social Science. IJHSSI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Humanities and Social Science, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online
This document provides an abstract and introduction for a paper that analyzes Jhumpa Lahiri's novel The Namesake. It explores themes of diasporic identity, hybridization, and cultural conflict experienced by immigrant characters. The protagonist Gogol struggles with his Indian name and heritage as he tries to fit into American culture. While he attempts to erase his past, he ultimately realizes he cannot change his identity and must find peace with his roots. The work examines how characters negotiate life across cultures and the trans-cultural dilemmas that challenge their sense of belonging.
An Analysis Of Psyche Of Diasporic Individuals The NamesakeAndrew Parish
This paper analyzes themes of psychological alienation experienced by diasporic individuals using characters from the novel The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri. It discusses how characters like Ashima and Gogol feel a constant sense of displacement and confusion over their identities as immigrants in America, despite living there for many years. While Ashima is deeply nostalgic for her homeland in India and struggles to adjust to American life, Ashok is a more complex character who displays both ties to India as well as acceptance of his new home. The paper examines these characters in light of concepts like diaspora, double consciousness, and memorialization across generations discussed by scholars like Robin Cohen, Aisha Khan and Dibyesh An
The document provides an in-depth analysis of Bapsi Sidhwa's novel Ice-Candy-Man and its portrayal of the partition of India. The summary is:
1) Ice-Candy-Man uses the perspective of a young girl to depict the rising tensions and violence between Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs during the partition.
2) The novel illustrates the breakdown of communal relations and social mores as religious extremism took hold.
3) Sidhwa provides historical context and accurately captures the trauma experienced by all communities during this violent period of history.
The novel "Our Sister Killjoy" by Ama Ata Aidoo is divided into four sections. It follows Sissie, a young Ghanaian woman, as she travels to Germany and London. In Germany, she observes how her fellow African expatriates have abandoned their culture and identity. In London, she sees how many Africans live in poor conditions under colonial rule. Throughout her travels, Sissie challenges the stereotypes and colonial mindsets she encounters. In the final section, Sissie writes a confrontational love letter critiquing African expatriates who refuse to return home and help build their nation.
Mahasweta Devi - Draupadi & Gangor (Choli ke Peeche)kwaller42
Mahasweta Devi was an Indian writer and social activist. The document discusses two of her most celebrated works, Draupadi and Choli Ke Peeche. Draupadi tells the story of a tribal woman who is repeatedly raped in police custody but refuses to be defeated, confronting her abuser naked. Choli Ke Peeche depicts a tribal woman who is ostracized from her village after her photograph is taken topless, leading her down a path of abuse and prostitution. Both stories portray women reclaiming power over their bodies and identities in the face of oppression. The document argues that Devi used women's bodies as symbols of resistance against social norms and objectification.
Jumpha Lahiri is one of the most remarkable women novelists, whose novels are concerned mainly with social and political themes of the East-West Encounter. Her serious concern is with the cross-cultural consciousness of her characters. She gives a graphic picture of the theme of immigration and alienation of the uprooted individuals in her novel The Namesake (2003) .The novel is based on the theme of immigration of native Indians who went to America; it deals with the theme of coloured immigrants in USA and presents their difficulties of adjustment there. These uprooted individuals, Ashoke and Ashima, symbolize two sides of the immigrant experience and also suffer from exile, alienation and humiliation. This paper tries to focus the diasporas‟ sensibilities and handled the thematic concerns like search for identity, displacement, cultural dislocation, isolation and alienation in their novels.
Cedar Falls Authors Festival Overview ppt complete cdCherie Dargan
The Cedar Falls Authors Festival aims to celebrate five nationally known authors with connections to Cedar Falls, Iowa: Bess Streeter Aldrich, Ruth Suckow, James Hearst, Nancy Price, and Robert James Waller. The festival is organized by a core group and sponsored by various local organizations. It features events from May 2017 to May 2018 highlighting the authors' works and connections to Cedar Falls. Major events will take place at venues like the Cedar Falls Public Library and Hearst Center for the Arts. The five authors drew from their experiences growing up or living in Cedar Falls in many of their writings.
Concept of war and patriarchy in Ice Candy ManMaria Aleem
This document provides an analysis of Bapsi Sidhwa's novel "Ice Candy Man" through a feminist lens. It discusses key themes of the novel such as patriarchy, the oppression of women in patriarchal societies, and the impact of war and political violence. Specifically, it analyzes the characterization of the female protagonists Lenny and her Ayah Shanta, and how they represent challenges to patriarchal norms. It also examines how the novel depicts the violence and human costs of the partition of India through the experiences of the ethnic minority Parsi community in Lahore. Overall, the document argues that Sidhwa uses "Ice Candy Man" to portray women's issues and provide a "gyn
This power point introduces the viewer to one of the famous writers from Iowa, Ruth Suckow. Her stories and novels focus on the ordinary lives of the people living in the small towns and farms of Iowa during the 1900s. She is considered a regional writer. Teachers can feel free to use the PPT for their classes. Three of her short stories can be downloaded from the Ruth Suckow website, www.ruthsuckow.org
Ruth suckow -iowa writer presentation c darganCherie Dargan
Ruth Suckow was a famous Iowa author who wrote short stories and novels depicting small town and farm life in Iowa in the early 1900s. She lived in several towns around Iowa and eventually settled in Cedar Falls where she taught and married Ferner Nuhn. Suckow is renowned for her realistic portrayals of rural Iowans and their communities in works like Country People and The Folks. After her death, Ferner and his second wife worked to preserve Suckow's legacy and establish memorials to her in Iowa.
The document provides a detailed summary of Bapsi Sidhwa's novel "The Ice Candy Man". It discusses the author, plot, characters, themes, and reviews of the novel. The major themes explored are the partition of India, dislocation, disintegration, and feminism. The novel is told from the perspective of the narrator, 8-year old Lenny, and focuses on the impact of communal violence on ordinary lives in Lahore before and after partition.
Search of Identity: A study of Manju Kapur’s novel “Difficult Daughters”inventionjournals
This paper presents the woman as an individual who fights against suppression and oppression of the patriarchy. The novel Difficult Daughters sensibly shows the position of women and her longing struggle to establish an identity. Manju Kapur has come out as serious social thinker in her novels because there is a purpose behind her writing. All her novels have been written with a definite purpose because the novelist tries to analyze issues related to the middle class or upper middle class women. Manju Kapur is much interested to present the questions and problems related to women in a larger perspective. In her novels, the women’s questions have emerged essentially in the context of the identity of the new educated middle class. Manju Kapur’s female protagonists are mostly educated. They are strong individuals but imprisoned within the boundary of conservative society. Their education leads them to independent thinking for which their family and society become intolerable to them, in their individual struggle with family and society through which they plunged into a dedicated effort to search an identity for them as qualified women with faultless background. The novelist has portrayed her protagonists as women caught in the conflict between the passions of the flesh and yearning to be a part of the political and intellectual society of today
This document provides a biography of renowned Bengali author Mahasweta Devi. It discusses her upbringing in a family of talented artists and intellectuals. It describes her education including time spent at Tagore's Santiniketan school. It highlights two important events in her writing career - researching the life of Rani Lakshmibai which influenced her choice of subjects and meticulous research methods, and visiting areas like Palamu district where she advocated for bonded labourers and wrote exposing their oppression. The document discusses her focus on writing about socially marginalized groups and key works that brought attention to the struggles of tribals, women and other oppressed communities in India.
Bapsi Sidhwa is a Pakistani author who writes in English and lives in America. Her novel Ice Candy Man takes place during the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan, depicting the human rights violations and conditions people faced. Through the character of Lenny, a Parsee girl, Sidhwa shows how the political changes affected citizens. The novel realistically represents the exploitation and abuse of women. Sidhwa uses code mixing by including Urdu and Punjabi words in conversations to give the story a local flavor and connect to the languages commonly spoken in Pakistan. This novel was one of the first by a Pakistani woman author to describe the experiences of people in Lahore during the partition.
This document provides a summary of Mulk Raj Anand's novel Untouchable and Coolie. It discusses how Untouchable depicts the daily life and angst of Bakha, an 18-year-old sweeper boy in India's caste system. It describes how Bakha faces humiliation and social injustice throughout the day. Coolie follows the life journey of Munoo, an orphan coolie, and shows the miserable life conditions of coolies facing exploitation, poverty and early death. Both novels portray the angst and helplessness of the lower caste characters within the oppressive social structure of pre-independent India.
The story follows Coachman Ali who faithfully visits the post office every day for 5 years hoping for a letter from his daughter Miriam after her marriage, but receives none. He is mocked by post office employees who see him as mad. Ali changes from being a hunter to living only for the hope of Miriam's letter. Though treated poorly, he maintains his daily visits until his death without losing hope of reconnecting with his daughter.
Jayanta Mahapatra is a famous Indian poet who writes in English. Though from Orissa, he has a background in physics. He began writing poetry later in life, in his 40s. Mahapatra is known for his unique style that incorporates imagery and symbols from Hindu culture and the Orissan landscape. Some of the recurring symbols in his poetry include temple bells, funeral pyres, and lepers. His work depicts the culture and hardships of life in Orissa through these symbols and images. Mahapatra's poetry focuses on themes of poverty, hunger, human relationships, and the suffering of women.
Complicated Layers Of Cross Cultural Reality In Bharati Mukherjee's Novel Jas...inventionjournals
This document provides an analysis of cultural collisions experienced by the protagonist Jasmine in Bharati Mukherjee's novel Jasmine. It discusses how Jasmine confronts both Western and Indian cultures throughout her journey from India to America. She struggles with the traditional expectations of Indian culture as a woman but seeks freedom and individuality. While trying to assimilate into American culture by adopting Western names and dress, aspects of Indian culture still influence her at times as she navigates both worlds. The document examines the conflicts Jasmine faces between maintaining her Indian identity versus fully embracing American culture as she progresses on her path to becoming a global citizen.
Anita Desai is an Indian author known for novels that often deal with characters who feel isolated. Some of her most famous works include Fasting, Feasting (1999), which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, and In Custody (1984). Fasting, Feasting tells the story of an Indian family with two daughters and a son and explores the different roles and expectations placed on the children, particularly regarding marriage. Desai now lives in the United States and teaches writing at MIT. Though she lives abroad, her works frequently draw on her experiences growing up in India and comment on cultural differences and the changing roles of women.
The story is about Coachman Ali, who faithfully visits the post office every day for five years hoping for a letter from his daughter Miriam after her marriage. Ali is mocked and ridiculed by post office employees for his daily visits. Overcome by loneliness and illness, Ali's health declines. On his final visit, the rude postmaster angrily scolds Ali. Before dying, Ali extracts a promise to deliver any future letters to his grave. The postmaster then suffers from the same anxiety of not receiving news from his own daughter. Realizing Ali's pain, he remorsefully tries to deliver Miriam's late letter to Ali, but only encounters his apparition. The story highlights the importance of love, sympathy
This novel explores gender inequality and the oppression of women in both traditional Indian and American culture through the story of the characters Uma and her brother Arun. In both cultures, males are portrayed as dominant while females face immense pressure to marry and are often deprived of opportunities for education and independence. Whether in India or America, the characters struggle to find meaningful personal relationships and freedom from patriarchal constraints.
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI)inventionjournals
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Humanities and Social Science. IJHSSI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Humanities and Social Science, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online
This document provides an abstract and introduction for a paper that analyzes Jhumpa Lahiri's novel The Namesake. It explores themes of diasporic identity, hybridization, and cultural conflict experienced by immigrant characters. The protagonist Gogol struggles with his Indian name and heritage as he tries to fit into American culture. While he attempts to erase his past, he ultimately realizes he cannot change his identity and must find peace with his roots. The work examines how characters negotiate life across cultures and the trans-cultural dilemmas that challenge their sense of belonging.
An Analysis Of Psyche Of Diasporic Individuals The NamesakeAndrew Parish
This paper analyzes themes of psychological alienation experienced by diasporic individuals using characters from the novel The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri. It discusses how characters like Ashima and Gogol feel a constant sense of displacement and confusion over their identities as immigrants in America, despite living there for many years. While Ashima is deeply nostalgic for her homeland in India and struggles to adjust to American life, Ashok is a more complex character who displays both ties to India as well as acceptance of his new home. The paper examines these characters in light of concepts like diaspora, double consciousness, and memorialization across generations discussed by scholars like Robin Cohen, Aisha Khan and Dibyesh An
south asian diasporic respresentation in shamsi's burnt shadowsabdul rashid
The document discusses Kamila Shamsie's novel Burnt Shadows and how it represents the concept of South Asian diaspora through the lens of acculturation. It examines how characters in the novel are affected both positively and negatively by their experiences with cultural assimilation, integration, identity crises, and feelings of dislocation as a result of migration. It analyzes the characters of Hiroko and Raza in particular and how they struggle with issues of cultural adaptation and forming a sense of identity and belonging across multiple cultures as part of the diaspora experience. The document also discusses Berry's model of acculturation strategies like integration, separation, assimilation, and marginalization in the context presented in the novel.
Cultural Autobiography Essay. Educational Autobiography - Free Essay SampleAnita Walker
Cultural Autobiography - Free Essay Example | PapersOwl.com. Cultural autobiography essay – The Friary School. ⛔ Cultural autobiography essay. Cultural Autobiography Essay. 2022-11-04.
PPT on Diaspora literature of Jhumpa Lahiri by Dr Mangesh GoremangeshGore5
1) The document discusses Jhumpa Lahiri's writings that portray the diasporic sensibility of Indian immigrants. It provides background on Lahiri's life and education.
2) Lahiri's debut collection Interpreter of Maladies illuminates the experiences of cultural alienation faced by Indian immigrants through short stories set in India and the United States.
3) Her novel The Namesake explores the identity crisis of Gogol, a first-generation Indian-American, who struggles with his Indian name and cultural roots in America.
1) Ruth Prawer Jhabvala's novel Heat and Dust explores the cultural encounter between the Orient and Occident through two time periods - the 1920s and 1970s.
2) The novel depicts the naive romanticism with which British characters initially view India, but then a growing unease with social realities like purdah and activities of bogus spiritual leaders.
3) Jhabvala believed the quest for spirituality in India must be undertaken with proper guidance from sincere spiritual teachers, in order to distinguish between sensuality and true spirituality.
Information on Brown Girl, Brownstones for the CAPE Literatures in English students who are studying this Paule Marshall text about a young girl's coming of age in New York in the 1930's and 1940's
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Humanities and Social Science. IJHSSI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Humanities and Social Science, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online
Capital Punishment Essay Topics. Capital PunishmentShould We Use Capital Puni...davih0fytav3
Capital Punishment Essay Essay on Capital Punishment for Students and .... Capital Punishment Essay Legal Studies - Year 12 HSC Thinkswap. Capital Punishment - GCSE Religious Studies Philosophy amp; Ethics .... Essay on Capital Punishment International Criminal Court Capital .... Overview Essay FAS1101 Capital Punishment Punishments. Capital Punishment - GCSE English - Marked by Teachers.com. The Idea of Capital Punishment - Free Essay Example PapersOwl.com. The Use of Capital Punishment - Free Essay Example PapersOwl.com. capital punishment essay 2 Capital Punishment Guilt Law Free 30 .... My Opinion on the Capital Punishment - Free Essay Example PapersOwl.com. Capital Punishment Essay Against School. Capital Punishment Essay Capital Punishment Hanging. Capital punishment essay - GCSE Religious Studies Philosophy amp; Ethics .... Essay about capital punishment - Expert Custom Essay Writing Service .... Capital Punishment. - GCSE Religious Studies Philosophy amp; Ethics .... Capital punishment essays - The Oscillation Band. Capital Punishment Essay for Students and Children in English. Capital punishment essay. 24/7 College Homework Help.. capital punishment - GCSE Religious Studies Philosophy amp; Ethics .... Capital Punishment Essay Capital Punishment Deterrence Legal .... Capital PunishmentShould We Use Capital Punishment? - GCSE Religious .... Capital punishment essay Logan Square Auditorium. Speech against capital punishment. Example persuasive essay on the .... Essays on capital punishment besttopwriteessay.org. Capital punishment essay titles for the great. Should Capital Punishment Be Abolished Essay Capital Punishment .... Capital punishment essays - bookcritic.x.fc2.com. 005 Introduction To Death Penalty Essay Essays On Capital Punishment L .... Capital Punishment Crime Deterrence - Free Essay Example PapersOwl.com. UU200 Research Essay - CAPITAL PUNISHMENT - The capital punishment is .... Capital Punishment Essay Example Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 ... Capital Punishment Essay Topics Capital Punishment Essay Topics. Capital PunishmentShould We Use Capital Punishment? - GCSE Religious ...
Capital Punishment Essay Essay on Capital Punishment for Students and .... Capital Punishment Essay Legal Studies - Year 12 HSC Thinkswap. Capital Punishment - GCSE Religious Studies Philosophy amp; Ethics .... Essay on Capital Punishment International Criminal Court Capital .... Overview Essay FAS1101 Capital Punishment Punishments. Capital Punishment - GCSE English - Marked by Teachers.com. The Idea of Capital Punishment - Free Essay Example PapersOwl.com. The Use of Capital Punishment - Free Essay Example PapersOwl.com. capital punishment essay 2 Capital Punishment Guilt Law Free 30 .... My Opinion on the Capital Punishment - Free Essay Example PapersOwl.com. Capital Punishment Essay Against School. Capital Punishment Essay Capital Punishment Hanging. Capital punishment essay - GCSE Religious Studies Philosophy amp; Ethics .... Essay about capital punishment - Expert Custom Essay Writing Service .... Capital Punishment. - GCSE Religious Studies Philosophy amp; Ethics .... Capital punishment essays - The Oscillation Band. Capital Punishment Essay for Students and Children in English. Capital punishment essay. 24/7 College Homework Help.. capital punishment - GCSE Religious Studies Philosophy amp; Ethics .... Capital Punishment Essay Capital Punishment Deterrence Legal .... Capital PunishmentShould We Use Capital Punishment? - GCSE Religious .... Capital punishment essay Logan Square Auditorium. Speech against capital punishment. Example persuasive essay on the .... Essays on capital punishment besttopwriteessay.org. Capital punishment essay titles for the great. Should Capital Punishment Be Abolished Essay Capital Punishment .... Capital punishment essays - bookcritic.x.fc2.com. 005 Introduction To Death Penalty Essay Essays On Capital Punishment L .... Capital Punishment Crime Deterrence - Free Essay Example PapersOwl.com. UU200 Research Essay - CAPITAL PUNISHMENT - The capital punishment is .... Capital Punishment Essay Example Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 ... Capital Punishment Essay Topics Capital Punishment Essay Topics
Similar to Trans Nationalism or Trading Nationalism? Identity, Borders and Narrative Ironies in Jumpa Lahiri's 'The Lowland' (10)
Discover the exhilarating world of manta ray night snorkeling in Kona, Hawaii. Led by expert guides, participants witness these majestic creatures feeding on plankton under mesmerizing underwater lights. With stringent safety measures, environmental responsibility, and emergency preparedness, enjoy this unique adventure responsibly and securely with trusted tour operators.
With the American Airlines name change policy, you can alter the incorrect name on your flight ticket/boarding pass without any fuss. Therefore, it’s essential to understand the major guidelines before requesting a name change/correction. However, if you still encounter any issues, you can navigate to the AA website or approach the airline over the phone. Additionally, you can talk with a flight expert at +1-866-738-0741 to get your problem fixed in a few minutes.
The 09 Days Tour to Skardu by road offers a breathtaking journey through some of Pakistan’s most spectacular landscapes. Skardu, nestled in the heart of the Karakoram mountain range, is renowned for its stunning vistas, crystal-clear lakes, and rugged terrain.
Explore Austin's dynamic history and cultural tapestry on a captivating journey. From its origins as Texas' capital to architectural marvels like the Texas State Capitol and cultural hubs such as the Driskill Hotel. Dive into its diverse heritage, legendary music scene, key historical moments, natural beauty, and vibrant culinary delights.
Our Bahrain Visa PowerPoint Presentation offers a detailed and comprehensive guide to the Bahrain visa application process. It is designed to assist travelers, travel agents, and businesses in navigating the various visa types, including tourist, business, work, student, and family visas. Each section provides an in-depth look at eligibility criteria, required documents, and step-by-step application procedures. Additionally, the presentation includes valuable tips for avoiding common application mistakes, an overview of processing times, and details on fees and payment methods. This presentation aims to ensure a smooth and successful visa application experience, making travel to Bahrain as seamless as possible.
Traveling with Frontier Airlines through Boston Logan International Airport offers a budget-friendly and efficient experience. With the modern facilities at Terminal C, extensive services, and amenities provided by Frontier, passengers can enjoy a comfortable journey. Whether you're a frequent flyer or a first-time traveler, this guide aims to help you navigate BOS with ease and make the most of your trip.
A list of budget-friendly things that families can do in San Antonio! Dive into its rich history and vibrant culture at iconic landmarks like the Alamo. Explore colorful Market Square and stroll along the scenic River Walk. Enjoy family-friendly fun at Brackenridge Park and capture breathtaking views at the Tower of the Americas—all without breaking the bank!
Passengers who request name modification after the risk-free period have to pay the United Airlines name change fee. Furthermore, in some cases, travelers have to pay the difference in fare if applicable. The airline doesn’t permit you to make other modifications (date change, fare classes, time, etc) under the name correction policy. Moreover, before you proceed, you must get all related information comprehensively. For that, you can call the consolidation desk at +1-800-865-1848 and get instant response.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is an unforgettable adventure, blending stunning natural beauty with rich history. Over four days, trekkers traverse diverse landscapes, from lush cloud forests to high mountain passes, encountering ancient Inca ruins along the way. Each step brings you closer to the awe-inspiring sight of Machu Picchu, revealed at sunrise from the Sun Gate. The journey is challenging but incredibly rewarding, offering a profound sense of accomplishment. With its combination of breathtaking scenery and cultural significance, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a must-do for those seeking an extraordinary adventure in Peru.
Southwest Airlines Low Fare Calendar: The Ultimate Guidei2aanshul
Travelling doesn't have to be expensive, especially with tools like the Southwest Airlines Low Fare Calendar at your disposal. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about using this feature to snag the best deals on your flights. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or planning your first trip, this guide will ensure you get the most out of your budget.
Southwest Airlines Low Fare Calendar: The Ultimate Guide
Trans Nationalism or Trading Nationalism? Identity, Borders and Narrative Ironies in Jumpa Lahiri's 'The Lowland'
1. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention
ISSN (Online): 2319 – 7722, ISSN (Print): 2319 – 7714
www.ijhssi.org ||Volume 4 Issue 9 || September. 2015 || PP.70-72
www.ijhssi.org 70 | P a g e
Trans Nationalism or Trading Nationalism? Identity, Borders
and Narrative Ironies in Jumpa Lahiri’s ‘The Lowland’
Mallika A Nair
Asst. Professor ,Dept. of English, Vimala College,Thrissur-680009
Abstract: Transnationalism with reference to Randolph Burne's 1916 essay' Trans-National America',
discusses the history of the formation of national identities. Globalization is a homogenizing force that is rooted
in economics and often overrides anything to do with cultural values, traditions, heritage and art. Whereas,
Transnationalism in the context of cultural policy, embraces differences and takes in the arts and culture under
its rubric along with economic concerns. De Vereaux and Griffin claim that while globalisation might seem to
do away with the notion of boundaries, transnationalism works to secure the idea of a nation.
The present paper attempts to analyse how narratives like Jumpa Lahiri’s The Lowland affect cultural policy
and what transnationalism and globalisation have to offer to practitioners in the field of narrative. Challenges
of immigration and exile, questions of identity and belonging and issues of rootlessness, loneliness and
inbetweenness all coagulate into the writer’s own experience as a Diasporic writer; the outcome of which is
The Lowland, a masterly novel of fate and will, exile and return.
INTRODUCTION
“We are but creatures of our origins and however stalwartly we march, paving new roads, seeking new worlds,
the ghosts from our pasts stand not far behind and are not easily shaken off.”
M.G.Vassanji (25)
Transnationalism is often discussed as opposed to and different from Nationalism. While Nationalism is defined
as the source of National identity or the adoration of one’s Nation, Transnationalism is defined as a new “social
phenomenon”, something that affects a significant part of a group or community, where immigrants live and
work in one country, but, at the same time, participate in ethnic social events of the countries of their origin.
Nationalism is the concept of a shared community, one which Benedict Anderson calls an “imagined
community” (Anderson 1983:15) which had enabled post- colonial societies to invent a self- image through
which they could act to liberate themselves from imperialist oppression. According to Franz Fanon, “a national
culture is the whole body of efforts made by a people in the sphere of thought to describe, justify and praise the
action through which that people has created itself and keeps itself in existence”. From the point of view of
literary theory, Nationalism is of special interest since its rise as Brennan and Bhabha note, is conterminous
with the rise of the novel as the most dominant modern literary form. In this sense, the story of the nation and
the narrative form of the Modern novel inform each other in a complex, reflexive way.
It is here that Lahiri’s The Lowland defines itself as a part of a National literature all the while molding the
consciousness of a diasporic generation giving it form and contours and flinging open before it new and
boundless horizons; it is a literature of combat because it assumes responsibility of the will to liberty expressed
in terms of time and space.
The contact of the people (characters like Gauri) with the new movement of Transnationalism gives rise to a
new rhythm of life giving the storyteller free rein to her imagination as he creates a work of art. Challenges of
immigration and exile, questions of identity and belonging and the issues of rootlessness, loneliness and
inbetweenness have constantly engaged Lahiri’s creative imagination.
The exile is a universal figure and changes taking place in the expatriate’s lives do not imply a total rejection of
their homelands or a complete denial of the past. The past often remains a part of the immigrant consciousness.
The imprints of this past life haunts the present, like living ghosts, that rip-apart the carcass of personalities and
their lives. This seems to be the predicament of almost all the diasporic characters in The Lowland.
The novel begins with the description of Lowland, situated between two ponds, in the outskirts of Calcutta.
During Monsoon, the two brimming ponds and the lowland filled with rain water coalesce, so as to form a
flooded plain. But in summer, the flood water evaporates, exposing the swamplands again. The lowland is a
symbol of the complex relationship that exists between the two brothers, Subhash and Udayan in the novel.
Just like the two ponds which remain apart in summer and at other times merge, Subhash and Udayan are
opposites entwined together. Subhash is cautious, obedient and diligent whereas Udayan is impulsive,
adventurous and “blind to self-constraints”(11).
2. Trans nationalism or trading nationalism?...
www.ijhssi.org 71 | P a g e
Detached from Udayan and his parents, Subash feels alienated and isolated, which creates a mental strife in him,
which Homi Bhabha identifies as, “the tension of the difference, the difference of the historical and
geographical past and present”(177). Even though he learns to live without seeing his family and hearing their
voices, he feels “doubly alone”(63) and finds it impossible “to fathom his future severed from his past”(63).
Meanwhile in Calcutta, Udayan falls in love with Gauri who “prefers books to jewels and saris” (46). Udayan,
without a job and not yet twenty five years old, marries Gauri, defying his parent’s wishes. Lahiri comments,
“on his own he’d taken a step that Subhash believed was their parent’s place to decide”.(47)
Subhash develops an illegitimate relationship with Holly, a married American woman but their intimacy does
not last long. He believes that Udayan, after his marriage, has turned his passion towards Gauri and his
commitment to the party has cooled. But during his third autumn in Rhode Island, Subhash receives a telegram:
“Udayan killed. Come back if you can”(83). On his return to Calcutta to console his parents and to find out the
reason for Udayan’s death, Subhash discovers that Udayan’s involvement in the Naxalite movement had led to
his death.
Police considered Udayan as an extremist of an illegal political party. They raid his house and the neighborhood
in Tollygunge; placing the rifle at Gauri’s throat, Udayan is threatened to surrender. “Udayan appeared. Amid
the hyacinth in water up to his waist……bent over, coughing, grasping for air”(104). The police walks Udayan
to the lowland where he is shot dead.
Gauri watched Udayan “his arms flapping, his body leaping forward, seizing up before falling to the
ground”(105). Udayan’s body is not returned to his family. The widow Gauri, big with child, is not welcomed
by her in-laws; she remains isolated and nobody talks to her. Subhash decides to marry Gauri and to rescue her
from her unhappy life. He offers to take her to America where she can continue her studies. Gauri marries
Subhash and flees to America.
At first in Rhode Island, Gauri is not at ease with her unfamiliar surroundings. But after a few days, she begins
exploring different parts of the university campus. Eventually, she begins attending classes in the philosophy
department. Gauri is awed at the affluence of life around her but is unsure of all new experiences that this new
life has given her. One day, she enters a grocery shop, buys cream cheese and consumes it mistaking it to be
chocolate. This incident throw light on the confusions made by the expatriates due to their ignorance and
unfamiliarity of their new land. At times the highly individualistic lifestyle of the Americans perplexes Gauri;
But at other times she wishes to look like other women in the campus. She gives birth to her baby, Bela, and
tries to raise her with the help of Subhash. Even though Gauri feels immense gratitude towards Subhash, she
maintains a distance from him. She reminds herself that “Bela was her child and Udayan’s. She does not feel
any love towards Subhash and realizes that “her heart and her body were different things”(162). Later her
intimacy towards the child also weakens. As a mother she fails to love Bela passionately because “a growing
numbness”(164) inhibits her and impairs her feelings.
Subhash, along with Bela, arrives in Tollygunge, three months after his fether’s death in order to perform the
ceremony in honour of his dead father. After staying there for a few days, Subhash and Bela return to Rhode
Island, only to realize that Gauri has severed her ties with them and walked away from them. Cut off from her
mother, Bela becomes distracted and depressed. However, in course of time she learns to live without her
mother and becomes resilient and starts pursuing social service activities.
Susbash, now over sixty years old, becomes distracted by visions of childhood. Images of Udayan reappear and
reconstitute his mind. Shubash, still pretending to be Bela’s father, does not muster courage to reveal the secret.
To make matters worse, Bela informs Subhash that she is pregnant. She refuses to reveal the identity of her
lover and informs him that she wants to stay with him and give birth to her child in Rhode Island. The
coincidence baffles Subhash; A pregnant woman, a fatherless child…..arriving in Rhode Island needing him. It
was a reenactment of Bela’s origins. Aversion of what had brought Gauri to him, years ago”(264). Subhash
realizes the necessity of revealing the truth to Bela. He confesses to Bela that he is only her stepfather and uncle.
Bela refuses to believe him at first but later tells him that she loves him more after this revelation.
Meanwhile Gauri after her first job in California had moved north, to teach in SantaCruz, and then in San
Francisco. In spite of her promising career and life in America, she craved for lost moments and lost love, thus
leading an isolated life. Lahiri writes: “Isolation offered its own companionship: the reliable silence of her
rooms, the steadfast tranquility of her evenings…..it greeted her at the end of each day and lay still with her at
night. She had no wish to overcome it.” She regrets her action of abandoning Bela: it had been her own act of
killing….it was a crime worse than anything Udayan had committed” (242). Bela does not pardon her mother
but decides not to interfere between her mother and her daughter, if they wish to have a relationship. Thus there
is a ray of hope in Gauri’s life.
According to William Safran, “the intention of collective memory, vision or myth about the original homeland-
its physical location, history etc” is one of the six features of Diasporas(85). The novel centers on an incident
which happens at a certain place at a certain time. The pivotal event which lasts only for less than half an hour,
never leaves the mind of the characters who witness it. Though all the characters are haunted by their pasts, it is
3. Trans nationalism or trading nationalism?...
www.ijhssi.org 72 | P a g e
Gauri who feels the death of Udayan most deeply. The lowland and what happens there one evening linger even
in the minds of the readers.
The epigraph of the novel adopted from “Saluto a Roma”by Giorgio Bassanio beautifully expresses the
expatriate’s longing for their hometown: “Let me return to my hometown entombed in grass as in a warm and
high sea”(n. pag). Expatriates consciously resist total inclusion in the new host society and continue to consider
their motherland as their true home. They yearn for lost moments, lost loves, and try to retain the traditions,
customs, values, languages, and religions of their homeland. Gauri’s nostalgia becomes toxic, making her lead a
mechanical and lonely life in an alien land and slowly loses her grip on life.
All living creatures are constantly in flux and open to influences from elsewhere. Books like Jumpa Lahiri’s The
Lowland may be treated as creole texts that mirror Liberalism’s cultural pluralism. They search for a new
globalism, simultaneously asserting local independence and global interdependencies, seeking to cooperate
without cooption, and define differences sans homogenization, trading their nostalgic memories for something
new and meaningful.
…………………………………………………………………………………..
WORKS CITED
[1] Bhabha, Homi k. The Location of Culture. London: Routledge, 1998. Print.
[2] Gupta, Ashis. “ The Extraordinary Composition of the Expatriate Writer.” Writers of the Indian Diaspora.” Ed. Jasbir Jain. New
Delhi: Rawat Publications, 1998. 40-49. Print.
[3] Hall, Stuart. “Cultural Identity and Diaspora”. Ed. Jonathan Rutherford. Identity: Community, Culture and Difference. London:
Lowrence and Wishart, 1990. 222-237. Print.
[4] Lahiri, Jhumpa. The Lowland. Noida, UP: Random House India,2013. Print.
[5] Said, Edward. Reflections on Exile and Other Essays. Harvard:Harvard University Press,2002. Print.
[6] Safran, Williams. “Diasporas in Modern Societies: Myths of Homeland and Return.” Diaspora: A journal of Transnational
Studies.”1.1(1991): 83-89. Print.
[7] Vassanji, M.G. No New Land. New Delhi: Penguin India, 1992. Print.
…………………………………………………………