peer review

Kaylen Thanni

Professor Belz

English 1302

7 November 2021

Lahiri foreign experience Vs. Mine foreign experience

In the short story, “The third and Final Continent” by Jhumpa Lahiri. Jhumpa explained his journey from Calcutta, India, to England, and finally to the United States. While coming to America or any other country is scary but you can learn a lot about your new environment Like Jhumpa had experienced quite a bit of cultural changes that he had never witnessed before.

Going to a New country like America can be very nerve-racking. Learning to live “The American way”. From learning the currency, and the laws. For instance, Jhumpa had to adjust to his new normal living in a new country, being detached, strangeness, and feeling out of place in an unknown environment. One reason that leaving your home country is to step out of your comfort zone and You'll be discovering your surroundings, eating new foods, and meeting a lot of new people possibly friends. For example, in the story, “ I learned that Americans drove on the right side of the road, not the left and that they called a lift and elevator and an engaged phone busy”. Learning the country that you’re arriving in is beneficial because Learning about a country's customs and culture might assist travelers in navigating sometimes-difficult foreign waters without making uncharacteristic errors. Knowing this ahead of time can make a major difference in how much fun and immersion you have while there.

Coming into a new environment can be a great opportunity to meet new people, and grow a bond. It's a wonderful pleasure to share meals and customs with someone else. You begin to perceive your own culture in a new light while also learning about the cultures of others. In the story “The Third and Final Continent” living in Mrs. Croft’s home was the first home that Jhumpa lived in America. Though they were never friends he still cared for her since she had lived over a century. Jhumpa did explain how that was not common in India to live for that long, he was ultimately shocked that he witnessed that people can live for that long. Also because of her age, he didnt want anything to happen to her. When Mala came to America he introduced her to Mrs.Croft, and Mrs. Croft liked Mala. “I learned of her death I was stricken, so much that when Mala looked up from her knitting and she found me staring at the wall, Unable to speak. Mrs.Croft was the first death I mourned in America.” The death of Mrs. Croft took a toll on Jhumpa is because Mrs. Croft and her daughter Helen were the only people that have gotten to know him through the six weeks during the summer living with Mrs. Croft, and he learned that Mrs.Croft was coming close to death because of her old age he wanted to make sure nothing happens to when her daughter wasn’t there during the week.

Culture is what individuals identify with and what they represent when they speak about their countries. I was born in an environment where everyone looked the same, and everyone believed in the same thing. Until my freshman year of Highschool, the first two days of November a friend of mine introduced me to the Holiday Day Of The Dead (Dia de Los Muertos). The days of November 1 and 2 are dedicated to remembering and celebrating loved ones who have passed away. It entails erecting an altar with ofrendas, such as food and photographs of the deceased, in order to resurrect the souls of the deceased. Altars are built in both private homes and at large gatherings. From the time I was introduced to the day of the dead to know me and my family celebrate every year to honor my deceased loved ones. Celebrating this holiday has brought me closer to seeing that they’re in a better place, and to celebrate their life, and not be sad in a dark place. Not only does this holiday affect me in a positive way and to let go of the past, but this holiday is also celebrated all over the world but with different traditions but the same concept.

My personal opinion about Jhumpa Lahiri coming to America was, was the best thing he could’ve done for him and his family. With him coming to America he has gotten to experience the first man landing on the moon, He’s had the opportunity to know Mrs.croft and ultimately grew a bond with her before she passed away. Lastly, he has grown a custom to live the American lifestyle and still manages to keep his culture.