In the following, this seminar paper will focus on transculturality by mainly referring to Homi K. Bhabha's “concept of hybridity and what he calls the third space” (Bentley 20008: 20) which Bhabha
developed in contrast to multiculturalism (cf. Sommer 2001: 50). Furthermore, “Stuart Hall's concept of new ethnicities” (Bentley 2008: 20), which deals with “the historical development of racial politics” (ibid.: 21), will be outlined.
In the following character analysis, with regard to Bhabha's third space, this seminar paper will examine whether Samad Iqbal and Irie Jones are able to create such a third space or not.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Multiculturalism, transculturality and the national form
- Character Analysis
- Samad Iqbal
- Irie Jones
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This seminar paper examines the representation of multiculturalism in Zadie Smith’s novel White Teeth, focusing on the concept of transculturality as developed by Homi K. Bhabha and Stuart Hall's concept of new ethnicities. The paper aims to analyze how the novel depicts the complexities of identity, cultural hybridity, and the negotiation of national belonging in a multicultural society.
- The complexities of multiculturalism in contemporary Britain
- The concept of transculturality and cultural hybridity
- The role of historical factors in shaping contemporary identities
- The challenges and possibilities of creating a third space for cultural encounter
- The impact of colonialism and postcolonial legacies on individual and societal identities
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction provides an overview of the novel's critical reception and its significance as a representation of multicultural London. It introduces the key concepts of multiculturalism and transculturality, setting the stage for the subsequent analysis. Chapter 2 delves deeper into the theoretical framework, exploring Bhabha's concept of the third space and its implications for understanding national identity in a multicultural context. The chapter also examines Hall's theory of new ethnicities, which highlights the complex and evolving nature of racial politics in Britain. Chapter 3 focuses on character analysis, examining whether Samad Iqbal and Irie Jones are able to create a third space in the novel. The conclusion, not included in this preview, summarizes the findings of the paper.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key terms and concepts explored in this seminar paper include multiculturalism, transculturality, cultural hybridity, third space, national identity, postcolonialism, colonial legacies, identity politics, ethnic diversity, and new ethnicities. The paper examines these concepts through the lens of Zadie Smith’s White Teeth, exploring how the novel engages with the complexities of cultural interaction and the construction of identity in a multicultural society.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Homi K. Bhabha's concept of the "third space"?
It is a conceptual space where cultural hybridity occurs, allowing for the negotiation of identity beyond fixed binary categories.
How does Zadie Smith's "White Teeth" represent multiculturalism?
The novel depicts the complex lives of immigrant families in London, exploring themes of belonging, postcolonial legacies, and cultural clash.
What are "new ethnicities" according to Stuart Hall?
Hall’s concept describes evolving racial politics and the historical development of diverse identities in a multicultural society.
Which characters are analyzed in the context of transculturality?
The paper focuses on Samad Iqbal and Irie Jones to see if they can successfully create a "third space" for their identities.
What role does postcolonialism play in the novel?
Postcolonial legacies shape the characters' perceptions of themselves and their place within the national form of contemporary Britain.
- Quote paper
- Cesare Siglarski (Author), 2014, Multiculturalism in Zadie Smith's "White Teeth", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/321814
