Cultural Transformation: A Boon or Curse: A Critical Study of Jhumpa Lahiris An Interpreter of Maladies

Name of Author : S Besma Joy, Mrs. A R Jemi

Abstract: An individual can be unique and liberated only when he abides by the customs and cultures of his own native land. People from all over the universe undergo a drastic transformation within themselves when they immigrate or emigrate to a country. After disposition, they feel alienated in their new homes. Once they get used to their new homes, they even go to the extent of neglecting their own cultural values. When an individual ignores his/her cultural identity, he not only loses his own identity but also the identity of the native land. The magnificent short story An Interpreter of Maladies by the American writer, Jhumpa Lahiri is taken from the collection An Interpreter of Maladies. This short story questions whether the cultural transformation of an individual is good or bad for himself/herself and also for society. This paper aims to shed light on the cultural differences between America and India, which critically questions the need for treasuring one’s own roots and cultures of his/her native land.

Keywords : Individual, Identity, Immigration, Transformation, Culture

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