Unlike her parents, and her other relatives, her grandmother had not admonished Ashima not to eat beef or wear skirts or cut off her hair or forget her family the moment she landed in Boston. Her grandmother had not been fearful of such signs of betrayal; she was the only person to predict, rightly, that Ashima would never change.
In Jhumpa Lahiri's "The Namesake," Ashima's experiences in Boston starkly contrast with the expectations set by her family. Unlike her parents and relatives, who caution her against adopting Western habits and losing touch with her heritage, her grandmother stands out as a figure of acceptance. She does not criticize Ashima for her lifestyle choices, such as eating beef or modifying her appearance, demonstrating a level of understanding and foresight.
This acceptance highlights the grandmother’s belief in Ashima's authenticity and commitment to her identity. She recognizes that despite the cultural pressures, Ashima will remain true to herself, suggesting a deeper connection to tradition that embraces rather than fears change. This relationship illustrates the complexities of cultural identity, generational differences, and the nuances of personal choice within immigrant experiences.
