Within this extract of Lahiri 's book, 'The Namesake ', Ashima experiences America for the first time. The text is particularly significant because of the opposing traditional Indian background from which she comes from causing her to feel like the two cultures do not coincide. Lahiri highlights these differences by presenting America from Ashima’s perspective to reflect her opinion being that is lacks spark, is discreetly disgusting and immensely lonely. Despite her attempts to become accustomed to this unfamiliarity, Ashima feels alienated as she cannot ignore the absurdity of her new lifestyle. Lahiri presents Ashima to despise the dull nature of America. The repetitive phrase “The gray of the roof, the gray of cigarette ashes,” outlines …show more content…
This is evidenced by the “waist-high chain-like fence.” that surrounds the apartment. Not only does this physically prevent Ashima leaving with ease, it also indicates her struggle to find peace. The fence is described to be low enough to step over and escape however it symbolises Ashima’s internal conflict to accept the lifestyle in America. She is given the opportunity to live freely however she may not feel able to accept such difference and leave her Indian lifestyle behind. In being enclosed this way she lacks comfort from family members and friends when attempting to adapt to the change. Furthermore, Ashima is presented to feel incapable of discussing her difficulty out of fear of disappointing the ones she loves. The harsh metaphor “the frigid New England chill piercing her inner ears and jaw,” implies that despite the intensity of Ashima’s situation she lacks the ability to speak or share her emotions, “she has kept her disappointment to herself, not wanting to offend Ashoke, or worry her parents.” This makes her feel trapped in loneliness emphasised by her physical surroundings that are “ice covered