Between Home and Displacement: A Study of Diasporic Identity in Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Lowland

Abstract

Jhumpa Lahiri stands out as one of the prominent voices in South Asian diaspora literature. As a second-generation immigrant, she skilfully portrays diasporic themes in her works. This paper examines the themes of dislocation and identity formation in Lahiri's renowned novel The Lowland through a diasporic lens. The novel intricately explores the intersection of the political and the personal, spanning nearly fifty years of Indian and American history through the lives of a single family. Set against the backdrop of post-independence political turmoil in Kolkata, the narrative weaves together the past and present, offering a nuanced portrayal of displacement. By analysing the lives of the two brothers, Udayan and Subhash, and the impact of their divergent paths—one rooted in radical politics and the other in the American diaspora, this study explores how physical, emotional, and cultural displacement shapes both individual and collective identities. Additionally, it delves into the dilemmas and conflicts faced by Gauri, as a woman living far from her homeland, and the complexities of her daughter’s life as a second-generation immigrant. Through a diasporic framework, the paper investigates the psychological and personal impacts of transnational relocation and identity formation, focusing on the fragmentation and identity crises often experienced within the diaspora. This study aims to deepen the understanding of the diasporic experience as depicted in Lahiri's work, shedding light on the complexities of identity in a globalized world. It highlights the characters' struggles with memory, belonging, and heritage, illustrating how displacement not only challenges but also reshapes personal and cultural identities.