A Study of Diverse Immigrant Perspectives and Experiences through the Novel the Immigrant by Manju Kapur

Abstract

The present paper explores the diverse perspectives and experiences of the immigrants who are navigating at the borders of two cultures – of the homeland and of the hostland. The novel The Immigrant by Manju Kapur is scrutinized to understand the extent of isolation and emptiness in the lives of the major characters. The diverse perspectives of various characters namely Nina, Ananda, Dr. Sharma etc. are focused to comprehend the harsh and critical realities of lives of diaspora abroad. The study examines the complexities of emotional disconnection, inner turmoil, expectations, cultural shock, nostalgia for the homeland and its culture and values and also the assimilation of various characters with the host society. It also reveals that while initially the heroine of the novel, Nina, suffers from emotional isolation but her husband, Ananda, adapts himself to the needs of the hybrid culture. It is also seen that a tenuous chord of helplessness sustains the pressure of strained survival in the strange lands. It is concluded that the assimilation is the better option for the comfortable existence in the host society.