Journey from Exile to Immigration in Bharati Mukherjee’s Jasmine

Abstract

This paper attempts to explore how Bharati Mukherjee’s literary creations coincide with the journey from exile to immigration, concentrating mainly on her novel - Jasmine. An attempt is being made to determine the extent to which Mukherjee’s self-identification as an immigrant resolves her identity crisis. She has titled her third novel after the protagonist, indicating a change in perspective. Jasmine emerges as a whole individual capable of sustaining herself in a foreign nation through her own efforts. Nonetheless, Jasmine’s obstinacy with her indigenous culture and upbringing serves as a great magnet for all men who understand and adore her Indianness and adaptability. Jasmine exemplifies the fusion the author asserts is occurring now: immigration was a two-way street, and both whites and immigrants grew into a third entity as a result of this interaction and experience.