This paper explores the concepts of hybridity and identity in Andrea Levy's "Never Far From Nowhere".
The story could be taken from real life: British Imperialism has brought many people from British colonies into the mother country and has caused multiculturalism. A part of this is depicted by Levy, who was also born in England to Jamaican parents.
It is worth introducing the term “identity” and what it is determined by first and taking two opposing key concepts of identity, namely essentialism and hybridity, into account afterwards. In the following examination of Olive and Vivien in Never Far From Nowhere, which will be the main part of the paper, the focus will be on their identities with regard to the same point of interest. On the one hand, their general situation in life will be targeted, with special focus on the contrast between them and the reasons that the readers are presented with in that account. On the other hand, their ethnic identities as two related, but differently accepted Jamaicans in London, especially their self-perception of it, will be dealt with.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Defining Identity
- Two Opposing Concepts of Identity: Essentialism and Hybridity
- Essentialism
- Hybridity
- Olive and Vivien as Jamaicans in London in Never Far From Nowhere
- Olive's Identity
- Vivien's Identity
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to explore the concepts of identity, essentialism, and hybridity through an analysis of Andrea Levy's novel, Never Far From Nowhere. The focus is on the characters of Olive and Vivien, two Jamaican sisters living in London, and how their experiences shape their identities.
- The influence of race and ethnicity on identity
- The impact of colonialism and migration on identity formation
- Essentialist and hybrid perspectives on identity
- The role of individual experiences in shaping identity
- The contrasting experiences of Olive and Vivien in London
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This section introduces the novel Never Far From Nowhere and highlights the contrasting experiences of the two sisters, Olive and Vivien. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the concept of identity and its key theories, particularly essentialism and hybridity.
- Defining Identity: This chapter explores the complexities of identity, examining different perspectives and definitions. It discusses the influence of social norms and expectations on identity formation and how individuals struggle with their own identities within a group.
- Two Opposing Concepts of Identity: Essentialism and Hybridity: This chapter examines two contrasting notions of identity. Essentialism views identity as fixed and predetermined by factors such as race, while hybridity recognizes the dynamic and ever-changing nature of identity influenced by multiple factors and experiences.
- Olive and Vivien as Jamaicans in London in Never Far From Nowhere: This chapter focuses on the contrasting identities of the two sisters within the context of their Jamaican heritage and their experiences as immigrants in London. It explores their individual journeys and the challenges they face in navigating their identities within a multicultural society.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The primary keywords and focus topics of this paper are: identity, essentialism, hybridity, colonialism, migration, race, ethnicity, multiculturalism, Never Far From Nowhere, Andrea Levy, Olive, Vivien, Jamaica, London.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2009, Unveiling Hybridity and Identity. A Comparative Study of Olive and Vivien's Experiences in Andrea Levy's "Never Far From Nowhere", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1360137
