She had preferred being on the plane, detached from the earth, the illusion of sitting still

She had preferred being on the plane, detached from the earth, the illusion of sitting still

In Jhumpa Lahiri's works, the theme of displacement and detachment often plays a significant role in the lives of her characters. The quote "She had preferred being on the plane, detached from the earth, the illusion of sitting still" encapsulates this feeling of being disconnected from one's surroundings and seeking solace in a state of suspension.

Lahiri's characters frequently find themselves in situations where they are physically removed from their familiar environments, whether it be through immigration, travel, or simply feeling out of place in their own homes. This sense of detachment can be both liberating and isolating, as it allows them to escape the constraints of their everyday lives but also leaves them feeling adrift and disconnected.

The image of being on a plane, high above the earth and moving at great speeds, represents a literal and metaphorical detachment from the world below. For many of Lahiri's characters, this state of suspension offers a temporary reprieve from the pressures and expectations of their lives, allowing them to exist in a liminal space where they are free to reflect on their pasts and contemplate their futures.

At the same time, the quote also alludes to the idea of the "illusion of sitting still," suggesting that even in moments of apparent stasis, there is always movement and change happening beneath the surface. This idea is central to Lahiri's exploration of identity and belonging, as her characters grapple with the complexities of their cultural heritage and the ways in which it shapes their sense of self.

Ultimately, the quote speaks to the dual nature of detachment – it can be both a source of comfort and a source of unease, a way to escape the confines of one's reality while also highlighting the ways in which we are always connected to the world around us. In Lahiri's works, this tension between detachment and connection is a central theme that underscores the complexities of human experience and the ways in which we navigate the shifting landscapes of our lives.