In Jhumpa Lahiri's "The Lowland," the protagonist grapples with a profound sense of alienation from his own existence. He experiences a deep disconnect, feeling as though he is not truly welcome in the world around him. Despite his physical presence, he senses a rejection from the past, which constantly haunts him and reinforces his feelings of being an outsider.
This inner turmoil stems from the realization that his current life and environment lack a true sense of belonging. The memories of his past serve as a stark reminder that he has been cast into an arbitrary life, one that feels foreign to him. The juxtaposition of his physical presence with his emotional estrangement underscores the struggle to reconcile his identity with the world he inhabits.