Immigrant Experience and Mental Conflict in Jhumpa Lahiri's "Once in a Lifetime"

The degree of acculturation is higher among the second generation immigrants than that of the first generation. Sometimes the discovery of the history, geography, custom, rites and rituals of their parental homeland causes a kind of bewilderment, amazement and wonder among the later generations. This is what has been reflected in Lahiri’s Unaccustomed Earth. The Story “ Once in a Lifetime” tells the interaction between two Indian immigrant families from the point of view of a thirteen year old girl Hema. Since Kaushik’s father has not acquired a house before returning to the US, Kaushik and his parents have to put up with Hema’s family. This is welcomed as a gesture of hospitality and love, a theme that runs through the story and provides a structural cushion to the mental conflict that is ultimately portrayed in the character of Kaushik’s mother. Indeed Lahiri’s study of two, unequal families in this story provides a depth for the rethinking of the post colonial pension in the lives of individuals. The contrasts soon get externalised in Lahiri’s skilful characterisation of Kaushik’s family in its second immigration to the US. By the way, the reason for the second coming to the US seems scandalous. When it comes to know Perulmashi is suffering from cancer their is a mental conflict.