Changing identity and acquiring a self in a postcolonial context: the namesake by jhumpa lahiri

Identity is a complex aspect that signifies an individual's position within society. It can exhibit contradictions over time, often influenced by societal norms, power dynamics, cultural shifts, and traditional values. These contradictions can lead to a sense of identity crisis, particularly prevalent in post-colonial eras. Colonized nations have consistently faced various forms of discrimination based on factors such as race, language, religion, and skin color, resulting in their perpetual categorization as the "other." The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri serves as a compelling illustration of the identity confusion experienced by colonized individuals. Drawing upon the postcolonial theorist Homi K. Bhabha's notions of mimicry, hybridity, and the third space, the novel highlights the characters' struggle to navigate their sense of self amidst the challenges and complexities of migration.