Contemporary Diasporic Cultural Identities in Bharati Mukherjee’s Desirable Daughters and the Three Bride

Abstract

This paper examines the culture and structure of identities with specific connection with women’s diaspora in modern era. This paper focusses two novels The Tree Bride (2004) and Desirable Daughters (2002) by Asian-American writer Bharati Mukherjee. These two novels present true cultural manifestations of transnational displacements and identity process. Concepts of transnationalism, diasporic and hybrid identities have remained in focus during this study. Theories of Homi K. Bhabha, Stuart Hall, and Inderpal Grewal support this study in analysis and findings. Concepts presented by Luce Irigaray and Judith Butler support the trajectories of empowerment, agency and performativity with both non-feminist and feminist perspectives. The paper discusses the structure of transnationalism and diasporic identities. The central findings after the analysis support the perception that, Bharati Mukherjee presents and problematizes the issues and subjects related to south Asian diaspora and identity formation of women in the selected novels. Diasporic element is very strong with cultural properties in relation to the India/U.S. movement. This study creates a critical awareness and understanding about women’s subject in relation with diasporic process.