The Plight of the Immigrants in Chitra Banarjee Divakaruni’s The Mistress of Spices

Abstract

This paper is a minor part of a major research on the trials and tribulations of Indian Immigrants in the United States as depicted in a select work of Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. Initially, this paper focusses on the purpose of migration. The difference in approach towards native culture is dealt with; the difference between the first generation immigrants and second generation immigrants and how it disturbs the harmonious relationship of the family members, consequence of dualism, hybridity and exposure to multiculturalism and various aspects of diaspora are analysed. The novel offers a glimpse of Indian expatriates and the ordeals they undergo. Some immigrants are successful in the land of opportunities. Some people lose their life and become the victim of racial attacks. Every immigrant is engrossed in his or her quest for self-identity. Sometimes immigration nearly becomes death and rebirth. Some of the immigrants lose sense of belongingness. They are obsessed with nostalgia. They derive pleasure out of oneness and bonding. Through their oneness and bonding, they try to seek success.