The Namesake, by
Jhumpa Lahiri, represents assimilation and culture clash. Is it possible to
fully integrate into another country and its customs? Can an Indian marry an
American? Lahiri illustrates these questions beautifully.
The novel
is quickly coming to an end, and Nikhil is learning. He is learning that he
cannot repress the Indian culture that is such a major component of his being,
that he must embrace it. Nikhil drifted furthest from this while dating Maxine
after graduate school. He even says that is feels like a betrayal of his
parents and their culture. Also, he betrays them by electing to spend vacations
with Maxine’s family while ignoring his own. This betrayal of Indian culture persists
for some time, and during this time Nikhil lives a pampered lifestyle. Time
seems to stand still as Nikhil wines and dines on fine Italian food. Until
Nikhil’s father dies. His father acts as a catalyst and triggers Nikhil’s reemergence
into awareness. He distances himself from Maxine, and grows close to his mother
and sister once more. Inevitably, he meets another woman. However, this woman
is different for a host of reasons. Their meeting is arranged. Allow me to
rephrase that, Nikhil and another woman have an arranged meeting. Suddenly, two
people who have grown up resenting their Indian heritage are embracing it. Upon
meeting, Nikhil is smitten. He spends money on her carelessly and thinks about
her all the time. Within months, they are regularly spending time in each other’s
apartments and are a couple. This particular romance differentiates itself from
Nikhil’s past ones by being condoned. Indian mothers in The Namesake want their children to have Indian spouses. Not to
mention Nikhil’s abrupt obsession with her.
Thus far,
Lahiri seems to be sending a message that it is easier to marry someone with
the same background. As for assimilation, both children grew up in America and
therefore didn’t have to encounter that problem as much as their parents. Their
parents, however, faced enormous trouble assimilating. Perhaps the author will
leave this questions open-ended as the story winds to a close, perhaps they
will be answered
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