Bharati Mukherjee’s Reclamation of Women’s Space in the Crossroads of Tradition and Modernity

Abstract

This research explores the literary works of Bharati Mukherjee, a prominent Indian-American writer, focusing on the themes of displacement, identity, and cultural hybridity present in her novels. Employing a theoretical framework encompassing New Historicism, Hybridity, Self-identity, and Self-representation, the study aims to analyze Mukherjee’s portrayal of cultural spaces and materiality in the diaspora. The research specifically examines the interplay between homeland, host land, and the concept of the “Third Space,” investigating the dynamics between tradition and modernity in shaping characters’ identities. The study explores the contrast and intertwining of host culture and home culture within Mukherjee’s selected novels, including “The Tiger’s Daughter,” “Jasmine,” “Desirable Daughters,” and “The Tree Bride.” Through literary analysis informed by the outlined theoretical framework, the research seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the diasporic experience, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals navigating multiple cultural contexts. The anticipated outcomes include fresh perspectives on cultural hybridity, self-identity, and self-representation, thus enriching the discourse within the broader field of postcolonial literature.