Self- Actualization and Transformation of an Indian
Immigrant in the US: A Critical Study of Bharati
Mukherjee’s Jasmine
Dissertation submitted to
Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli
In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of
Master of Arts in English Literature
Submitted by
P.H. Suji Paul
Reg.No: 1471143
Department of English
Nanjil Catholic College of Arts and Science
Kaliyakkavilai
April 2016
Suji Paul. P.H.
M.A. English,
Reg. No: 1471143,
Department of English,
Nanjil Catholic College of Arts and Science,
Kaliyakkavilai.
Declaration
I hereby declare that the dissertation titled Self-Actualization and
Transformation of an Indian Immigrant in the US: A Critical Study of Bharati
Mukherjee’s Jasmine is my original work done under the guidance and supervision
of Mr. Sebastian M.A., M.Phil., Professor, Department of English, Nanjil Catholic
College of Arts and Science, Kaliyakkavilai and submitted to Manonmaniam
Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli for the degree of Master of Arts in English. This
work is not submitted either in whole or in part for the award of any degree, diploma,
fellowship or associateship of any University or Institution.
Kaliyakkavilai Suji Paul .P.H.
April 2016 Reg. No: 1471143
Mr. M. Sebastian, M.A., M.Phil.
Professor,
Department of English,
Nanjil Catholic College of Arts and Science,
Kaliyakkavilai.
Certificate
This is to certify that the dissertation titled Self-Actualization and
Transformation of an Indian Immigrant in the US: A Critical Study of Bharati
Mukherjee’s Jasmine is a record of original research work done by Suji Paul. P.H.
Department of English, Nanjil Catholic College of Arts and Science, Kaliakkavilai,
under my guidance and supervision and submitted to Manonmaniam Sundaranar
University, Tirunelveli in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of
Master of Arts in English. This work has not been submitted for the award of any
degree, diploma, associateship or fellowship of any University or Institution.
Kaliyakkavilai M. Sebastian
April 2016 Guide
Signature of H.O.D
Record of Viva-Voce Examination
Name of the Candidate : P.H. Suji Paul
Reg. No. : 1471143
Title of Dissertation : Self- Actualization and Transformation of an
Indian Immigrant in the US: A Critical Study
of Bharati Mukherjee’s Jasmine
Guide : M. Sebastian, M.A., M.Phil.
Date of Examination :
Internal Examiner External Examiner
Acknowledgement
I thank God, Almighty from the depth of my heart for giving me health,
knowledge and ability to carry my research work successfully.
First of all, it is my duty to thank Rev. Fr. Dr. S. Maria Rajendran,
M.S.W., M.Phil., Ph.D., the Secretary, Nanjil Catholic College of Arts and Science
and Dr. E. John Jyothi Prakash, M.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D., Principal, Nanjil Catholic
College of Arts and Science, Kaliakkavilai for their kind support during my course of
study.
I greatly extend my sincere thanks to Mrs. V. Edal Queen, M.A., B.Ed.,
M.Phil., Head of the Department who deserves a special note of thanks for all the
support and guidance that she has offered in all possible ways to complete this
dissertation successfully.
I owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. M. Sebastian, M.A., M.Phil., Professor of
Department of English Nanjil Catholic College of Arts and Science, Kaliyakkavilai
for guiding me in the preparation of this dissertation. I remember his scholarly
discussions with me and his efforts to bring out the best in me and his availability at
all times. I am greatly indebted to him.
I express my thanks to the Librarians of Kerala University Trivandrum and
Nanjil Catholic College of Arts and Science for providing me with the books and
secondary sources necessary for the preparation of my dissertation.
Above all, I express my sense of gratitude to my parents who always stood by
me in all my efforts. I express my sincere gratitude to my friends who helped me to
complete the dissertation.
I record my gratitude to Cherenjana Computer for the neat execution and
prompt delivery of this thesis.
Suji Paul. P.H.
Contents
Chapter Page
One Introduction 1
Two Psychological Transformation 11
Three Cross- Cultural Conflict and
Identity Crisis 27
Four Summation 43
Works Cited 49
Preface
Bharati Mukherjee’s work Jasmine (1989) describes the protagonist Jasmine’s
sufferings and her search for self-identity. The novel also describes how Jasmine
uproots herself from her life in India and re-roots herself in search of a new life.
This work is divided into four chapters. The first chapter “Introduction”
introduces literature, Indian literature and it also presents some Indian writers and
then focuses on Bharati Mukherjee’s works, her career and her achievements. It also
gives a critical analysis of Bharati Mukherjee’s novel Jasmine.
The second chapter “Psychological Transformation” deals with the death of
Jasmine’s husband and her immigration towards the USA. The changes that take
place in each phase are presented vividly.
The third chapter “The Cross-Cultural Conflict and Identity Crisis”
portrays the protagonist’s attempt to achieve individuality. It also traces different
cultures and traditions and protagonist’s loss of identity at each stage.
The final chapter “Summation” is the summing up of the earlier chapters. The
findings of the earlier chapters are stated. The study shows the sufferings of
immigrants in a new alien country and how they later assimilate into the new culture.
