The Clash of Identities as Depicted in the Short Story “Unaccustomed Earth” by Jhumpa Lahiri
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Date
2020
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Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
Abstract
Problems encountered by immigrants in their host-land have provided a large body of
research for the last few years. There is a high tendency, of people who are unable to
actualize their dreams in their homelands migrating to countries, whose images are held
up by society. This particular study is an attempt to discover the clash of identities in
migrant characters as depicted in the prolific writer, Jhumpa Lahiri’s short story
“Unaccustomed Earth”. The literature was analyzed using the postcolonial lens of Homi.
K. Bhaba to get a better insight into how the hybrid nature of their identity is the driving
force in creating controversies barring migrant journey towards achieving better
prospects. The research was qualitative and the primary data was accumulated through
textual analysis and conducting semi-structured interviews with academics.
Accumulated data, which was analyzed using the concept of ‘Hybridity’ was
incorporated in the discussion. The past researches reveal those conflicting situations
such as language-related issues, alienation, cultural dichotomies, fragile relationships as
some of the harsh realities encountered by the migrants who are domiciled in America,
the land of hope. The research findings in this respect ascertain that the above-mentioned
problems emerge owing to the clash of dual identities of the disillusioned Asian
immigrants. Thus, it was further manifested that compromise adaptation, correct attitude,
self - awareness could mitigate the aforementioned issues.
Keywords: Dual identities, Alienation, Hybridity, Indian immigrants, Host-land
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Keywords
Language, Social Science, Immigrants