Multicultural Frontiers

Construction of Migrant Identities in "The Satanic Verses"

Master's Thesis , 2007 , 51 Pages , Grade: 2.1

Literature - Modern Literature

This study aims to achieve a close examination of colonial discourse, its function in identity construction, and the implications of this process for multicultural politics in The Satanic Verses.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Defining the Terms: Multiculturalism, Discourse and Identity
• Multiculturalism
• Discourse
• Identity
• The Structure and Plot of The Satanic Verses
• Explicating the Function of Discourse in the Process of Identity Formation
• Identifying the Discourse Induced Frontiers
• The Transforming Effect of Discourse
• The Marginalising Effect of Discourse
• The Polarising Effect of Discourse
• Undermining the Discursive Structure
• The Role of the Angel in Perpetuating the Discursive Structure
• The Role of the Devil in Undermining the Discursive Structure
• The Role of Blasphemy in Undermining the Discursive Structure
• The Role of Migrancy, Metamorphosis, and Hybridity in Undermining the Discursive Structure
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This study explores the impact of colonial discourse on the construction of migrant identities within the multicultural context of The Satanic Verses, aiming to understand how this process contributes to the creation of social frontiers that hinder coexistence. The analysis focuses on the novel's unique approach to challenging dualistic structures and subverting the notion of a fixed self, ultimately proposing an alternative conceptualization of identity that fosters inclusivity.

• The function of colonial discourse in shaping migrant identities
• The detrimental effects of discourse on multicultural relations
• The novel's strategies for undermining the identified discursive structure
• The concept of self as a dynamic and fluid entity
• The importance of deconstructing binaries in fostering cross-cultural understanding

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The study begins by defining and explaining the interconnectedness of multiculturalism, discourse, and identity. It then provides an overview of the plot and structure of The Satanic Verses, laying the groundwork for the subsequent analysis. Chapter 3 examines the role of discourse in the formation of one of the main characters' identities, shedding light on the relationship between discourse and identity construction.

Chapter 4 explores the detrimental effects of discourse, focusing on the ways it contributes to the marginalization and polarization of individuals and groups. The analysis examines how discourse can contribute to the creation of social frontiers that impede cross-cultural relations. Chapter 5, however, moves beyond these negative effects, highlighting the novel's strategies for undermining the identified discursive structure. It demonstrates how The Satanic Verses challenges static notions of self and the binaries that define identity, proposing a more fluid and dynamic understanding of the self.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The key terms and concepts explored in this study include multiculturalism, discourse, identity, migrant identities, colonial discourse, postcolonialism, dualistic structures, The Satanic Verses, hybridity, fluidity, and inclusivity. These terms encompass the central themes of the work, examining the relationship between discourse and identity construction, the challenges of multicultural coexistence, and the potential for a more inclusive and dynamic conceptualization of self.

• College: Humboldt-University of Berlin (Centre for British Studies)
• Grade: 2.1
• Author: Serda Brauns (Author)
• Publication Year: 2007
• Pages: 51
• Catalog Number: V172516
• ISBN (eBook): 9783640924394
• ISBN (Book): 9783640924516
• Language: English
• Tags: Satanic Verses, Multiculturalism, Discourse and Identity