In the novel Jasmine, author Bharati Mukherjee uses protagonist Jasmine’s experiences and transformation as a critique of immigration. Specifically, Mukherjee describes how immigration can alter one’s persona and consequently reshape your identity. A key method that Mukherjee employs to establish her stance on immigration is through her use of secondary characters such as Taylor, Wylie, and Duff. Prior to immigrating to the United States, Jasmine is in a suicidal state and struggles to find a reason to live. Yet, this begins to change upon moving to Manhattan and living with the Hayes. We see that during her time with this family, Jasmine is finally able to be in a safe and stable environment. Mukherjee places an emphasis on the idea
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As a result, Jasmine undergoes a drastic change in taste and style. Referring to herself in the third person, she describes, “Jase was a woman who bought herself spangled heels and silk chartreuse pants”(176). While many will presume that this line provides evidence that Jasmine is straying too far from her humble origins. I feel that this just another concrete example concrete example from Mukherjee depicting how Jasmine has expanded her horizons since immigrating to the United States. Later on in the chapter, Jasmine describes to the reader her assessment of her new country, “America may be fluid and built on flimsy, invisible lines of weak gravity, but I was a dense object, I landed and was getting rooted”(pg 179). By using the word choice of “rooted” to describe her situation in America, it is implied to the reader that Jasmine has found stability and comfort. This is a dramatic change in mindset from her time in India. In Hasnapur, Jasmine life was spiraling out of control and she constantly feared for her life. Jasmine’s immigration has allowed her a fresh start and America has filled the void in her life left by the death of
As a result, Jasmine undergoes a drastic change in taste and style. Referring to herself in the third person, she describes, “Jase was a woman who bought herself spangled heels and silk chartreuse pants”(176). While many will presume that this line provides evidence that Jasmine is straying too far from her humble origins. I feel that this just another concrete example concrete example from Mukherjee depicting how Jasmine has expanded her horizons since immigrating to the United States. Later on in the chapter, Jasmine describes to the reader her assessment of her new country, “America may be fluid and built on flimsy, invisible lines of weak gravity, but I was a dense object, I landed and was getting rooted”(pg 179). By using the word choice of “rooted” to describe her situation in America, it is implied to the reader that Jasmine has found stability and comfort. This is a dramatic change in mindset from her time in India. In Hasnapur, Jasmine life was spiraling out of control and she constantly feared for her life. Jasmine’s immigration has allowed her a fresh start and America has filled the void in her life left by the death of