The word 'approximation' within the quotation expresses her detachment from the Bengali culture, while showing she is desperate to maintain these traditions at all costs. .
However, as the story progresses, more evidence is expressed of Ashima's willingness to assimilate further into the culture that surrounds her. Her children, for whom assimilation comes more naturally and represent the next generation of immigrants, influence Ashima's alienated views on American culture. For example, Gogol and Sonia are the reason for Ashoke and Ashima's adoption of Christian holidays such as Christmas and of certain American food items, 'she concedes and makes him and American dinner once a week as a treat, Shake 'n Bake chicken or Hamburger Helper prepared with ground lamb.' The word 'concedes' implies she has given into this lifestyle and has begun to accept such ways, possibly against her will. This influence of the American world in their life they now inhabit becomes increasingly significant as the story continues, and illustrates Lahiri's effective characterisation of Ashima as she assimilates into the culture. The different 'homes' and cultures Ashima is exposed to thus reflects on her identity both through the lack of the development of identity she illustrates within her food preparation and her desire to cling onto her Bengali tradition, as well as her willingness to assimilate into the American culture as the novel progresses. .
The characterisation of Ashoke throughout the novel is also used by Lahiri to convey how a home is a reflection on one's identity the immigration into American experienced with his wife, Ashima. However, while Ashima is often confused and discomforted at the new culture that surrounds her, Ashoke's reaction is that of fascination and amusement by the American world around him. His character is used to portray this theme of the alienation faced when immigrating, but to contrast with those who find it difficult to assimilate into a new place, such as his wife.