Cultural Hybridity and Assimilation: Exploring the Immigrant Experience in Jasmine

Abstract

This research paper examines cultural hybridity and assimilation as central themes in Bharati Mukherjee’s novel Jasmine, exploring the immigrant experience through the transformative journey of its protagonist. Jasmine’s evolution from Jyoti, a traditional village girl in India, to her multiple identities in the United States Jasmine, Jazzy, Jase, and Jane highlights the fluid and dynamic nature of identity. The narrative captures the tension between cultural assimilation and resistance, illustrating the challenges and opportunities faced by immigrants in navigating the complexities of a new cultural landscape. Drawing upon theories of cultural hybridity, such as Homi K. Bhabha’s “Third Space,” this paper explores how Jasmine negotiates between her Indian heritage and American norms, crafting a unique identity that transcends rigid cultural binaries. The analysis further delves into the interplay of gender and culture, showcasing how Jasmine challenges patriarchal constraints and redefines her agency within a multicultural context.

This study situates Jasmine within the broader discourse of diasporic literature, emphasizing its relevance in understanding the psychological, emotional, and social dimensions of migration. By portraying Jasmine’s journey as both a struggle and a process of empowerment, Mukherjee provides a nuanced exploration of the immigrant experience, shedding light on the transformative potential of cultural hybridity. This paper contributes to the understanding of identity formation in a globalized world, where cultural negotiation and assimilation remain vital to the immigrant narrative.