In "The Golden House," Salman Rushdie explores themes of identity and entitlement through the actions of his characters. They display a profound sense of privilege, believing they can simply leave their past behind and reinvent themselves without any consequences. This refusal to acknowledge their history highlights a critical disconnect in their understanding of personal and cultural identity.

The characters' desire to break free from their origins illustrates the American ideal of self-determination. However, Rushdie critiques this notion by suggesting that real growth requires an acceptance of one's roots, memories, and the complexities of race and language. The struggle between seeking a new identity and recognizing one's past forms a central tension in the narrative.