Abstract

This paper aims to perform a comprehensive analysis of the intricate concept of hybrid identity by focusing on the character “Gogol” in Jhumpa Lahiri’s novel “The Namesake.” The concept of hybrid identity is increasingly gaining prominence in response to the growing diversity and interconnectedness of our communities especially among immigrants. This underscores the complex interplay between individuals’ diverse cultural heritages and the geographical environments in which they are nurtured. This study examines the many encounters of Gogol Ganguli, the central character in “The Namesake,” as he grapples with the challenges of reconciling his Indian heritage with his American culture. The achievement of this task is facilitated via the utilization of a blend of qualitative and textual analytic methodologies.

Keywords: Hybridity, Identity, Dilemma, Multiculturalism, Cultural Heritage, Immigrants, South Asian Literature, Postcolonialism