INDIAN DIASPORA: A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF JHUMPA LAHIRI'S NAMESAKE

Jhumpa Lahiri's novel Namesake follows the life of an American born to Indian immigrant parents. The conflict begins with the name "Gogol," which was inspired by an author who was a favorite of the immigrant Indian Father. While the story progresses through the subtle tenacious attitude of Ashima, Gogol's mother, who refuses to let go of her Indian influence by continuing to read Indian languages until the day Gogol begins to identify as an Indian. Jhumpa Lahiri depicts the life of a first generation Indian immigrant family and the difficulties they confront as immigrants establishing in a strange country while living with memories of their birthplace. The work reeks of cultural shock, alienation experienced by those who leave their birthplace for greater possibilities, and home sick feelings expressed by Gogol's mother, Ashima. The novel follows the life of Ashoke Ganguly, Gogol's father, as he strives to protect his own culture and identity; as parents, his plan was to raise Gogol in an American manner. Jhumpa Lahiri is one of the few recognized writers of diasporic literature, therefore it would be appropriate to explore her work in Namesake via a cross-cultural prism in diasporic literature