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THE INTIMACY OF EXILE: ALIENATION AND SOLITUDE IN JHUMPA LAHIRI\\\\\\\'S FICTION
Dr. Tarit Agrawal, Kaushambi,
Abstract:
Jhumpa Lahiri\\\\\\\'s fiction is a poignant exploration of the immigrant experience, delving into the intricate emotional landscapes of individuals navigating the complexities of displacement and cultural hybridity. While themes of alienation and solitude are prominent in her narratives, Lahiri masterfully portrays these seemingly negative states as also fostering a unique form of intimacy – an inward journey of self-discovery and the forging of unexpected connections amidst the vastness of exile. Her characters, often caught between the familiar embrace of their heritage and the often-unwelcoming reality of their adopted land, find themselves in a paradoxical space where isolation breeds introspection and a distinct, albeit often painful, understanding of themselves and the world around them. The initial experiences of Lahiri\\\\\\\'s immigrant characters are often marked by a profound sense of alienation. Ashima in The Namesake, upon arriving in America, feels a deep disconnect from her surroundings. The unfamiliar customs, the absence of familial support, and the sheer foreignness of the landscape contribute to a feeling of being perpetually adrift. This alienation is not merely geographical; it permeates her emotional and psychological being, creating a chasm between her past and her present. Similarly, in Interpreter of Maladies, many of the characters, whether recent arrivals or long-term residents, grapple with a sense of not fully belonging, of being perpetual outsiders in a land that is not truly their own. This feeling of being unrooted can lead to intense solitude, as characters struggle to find their place and connect authentically with those around them.