Abstract: Jhumpa Lahiri’s Unaccustomed Earth is a powerful exploration of the experiences of displacement and the resulting identity crises faced by immigrant individuals and their descendants. The theme of displacement plays a pivotal role in shaping the characters' quest for identity, highlighting the challenges faced by immigrants and their descendants. Set in both India and the United States, the stories explore the nuances of cultural alienation, the longing for belonging, and the tension between past and present. Lahiri's protagonists often find themselves in a state of liminality, caught between two worlds that never fully embrace them. This displacement leads to an ongoing search for self-definition, as they navigate relationships, family expectations, and personal aspirations. Through intricate storytelling, Lahiri examines the psychological and emotional impacts of migration, both voluntary and forced, and the effects it has on personal identity and familial bonds. The characters’ experiences reflect the broader immigrant experience, where individuals must reconcile their heritage with the desire to assimilate into their new environment. In Unaccustomed Earth, Lahiri crafts a powerful narrative that portrays how identity is fluid, evolving, and shaped by both internal desires and external pressures. Through a series of interconnected stories, Lahiri delves into themes of cultural tension, personal alienation, and the search for belonging. This paper examines how Lahiri illustrates these struggles through her characters' interactions, emotions, and responses to their surroundings. The analysis considers the ways in which dislocation impacts both personal and familial relationships and underscores the complexity of identity formation within diasporic contexts.
Keywords: Diaspora, Identity Crisis, Displacement, Immigration, Alienation.
Title: Displacement and the Quest for Identity in Jhumpa Lahiri's Unaccustomed Earth
Author: Prerana Singh, Dr. Rakesh Kumar
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025 - June 2025
Page No: 251-255
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 10-May-2025
