Unaccustomed Earth By Jhumpa Lahiri Summary

An analysis of Sociological Approach in the select Short Stories of
Jhumpa Lahiri’s Unaccustomed Earth
A. Franklin
Assistant Professor in English, Bishop Appasamy College of Arts and Science

Sociological criticism is generally concerned with the effect of society upon art. It examines literature in the cultural, economic and political context in which it is written. The approach of sociological criticism explores the changing relationship, culture etc. between the artist and the society. The approach helps to understand the artist’s society, includes his time, space and environment and its impact which is clearly evident in his works.
Being one of the contemporary writers of 21st century, Jhumpa Lahiri finds herself a distinctive place in

All the eight stories revolve round this concept with their fitting climaxes. Relationship is a bond, which needs to move carefully till the end in order to get the pure love from the near and dear ones. Unless this is done, it destroys the peace in life to its inner core. The author has understood this point and tailored the characters in what is said to be her best collection of short stories.
In the titular story, “Unaccustomed Earth”, Lahiri talks about the relationship between a widower father and his daughter. In his middle age, Ruma’s father used to visit European nations in package tours with the company of strangers. After the death of his wife and also after his retirement, he has no other job except to sit simply at home to read newspapers or to do any other petty things. Instead, he chose to go around the world to enjoy his remaining life.
Meanwhile, Ruma’s father had developed a new relationship with a woman named Mrs. Bagchi, when they were travelling together with all the other strangers. Ruma’s father and Mrs. Bagchi were the only two Bengalis in that group, hence they developed this bond. Ruma’s father enjoyed the travel with the company of Mrs. Bagchi. Despite all this, he wanted to visit his daughter who is living in