The present research aims at exploring the themes of disillusionment and alienation with regard to the construction of identity in two postcolonial novels by Pakistani author Mohsin Hamid’s Moth Smoke (MS, 2000) and How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia (HGFRRA, 2013) taking theoretical insights from the works of Karl Marx (1883), Homi K. Bhabha (1994) and others. A common thread running through these novels is the juxtapositioning of estrangement and alienation while fighting for the basic right of getting prospects to thrive in life. How the cultural and identity conflicts in developing Asia emerged as the reason for personal estrangement of characters from reality; how the protagonists were found to be fragmented and how they used underhand ways to get rich is explored in Hamid’s selected works.
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Background of the Study
- Disillusionment and Alienation in Literature
- Alienation
- Disillusionment
- Post 9/11 literature
- Writer's Background
- Research Statement
- Objectives
- Significance of the Study
- Structure of the study
- Limitations and Delimitations of the study
- Literature Review
- Disillusionment and Alienation in Twentieth Century Literature
- Disillusionment and alienation in Western literature after World Wars I & II
- Disillusionment and alienation in Asian and African literature
- International Appreciation of Hamid's Works
- Disillusionment and Alienation in Twentieth Century Literature
- Research Methodology
- Type of Research
- Theoretical Framework
- Method of Research
- Resources
- Content Analysis
- Analysis of Moth Smoke
- Overview of the novel
- Analysis of the Novel Moth Smoke (2000):
- Disillusionment and Alienation in Characters of Moth Smoke (2000)
- Thematic Focus of Moth Smoke (2000)
- Allegory of Moth
- The Social Scenario Causing Alienation and Disillusionment
- Cultural Conflicts Leading to Disillusionment and Alienation
- The Economic and Political Scenario Causing Alienation and Disillusionment
- Use of Pseudonym in Moth Smoke
- Existentialism and Pessimism in Hamid's Writings
- Analysis of "How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia"
- Overview of the Novel
- Analysis of How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia (2013):
- Disillusionment and Alienation in Characters of How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia
- Female Characters
- Thematic Focus of How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia
- The Social Scenario Causing Alienation and Disillusionment in How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia
- Cultural Conflict leading to Disillusionment and Alienation in How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia (2013)
- The Economic and Political Scenario Causing Alienation and Disillusionment in How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia
- Stereotyping in How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia
- Existentialism and Pessimism in Hamid's Writings
- Disillusionment and Alienation in Characters of How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia
- Analysis of Moth Smoke
Objectives and Key Themes
This research explores the themes of disillusionment and alienation in Mohsin Hamid's novels, Moth Smoke and How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia, examining how these themes relate to identity construction in postcolonial Pakistan. The study utilizes theoretical frameworks from Karl Marx and Homi K. Bhabha to analyze the cultural and identity conflicts that contribute to the characters' estrangement and their struggles for success.
- Disillusionment and alienation as responses to postcolonial realities.
- The construction of identity in the context of cultural and economic conflict.
- The role of social, economic, and political factors in shaping individual experiences.
- The use of literary techniques to portray alienation and disillusionment.
- The exploration of existential themes and pessimism in Hamid's works.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter introduces the study's focus on disillusionment and alienation in Mohsin Hamid's novels, situating this within the broader context of postcolonial Pakistani literature and its reflection of socio-political realities. It lays out the research objectives, methodology, and scope, highlighting the significance of examining Hamid's portrayal of cultural and identity crises and their consequences. The chapter establishes the theoretical framework and explains the selection of Hamid's works as representative of post-colonial themes.
Literature Review: This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of existing scholarship on disillusionment and alienation in 20th-century literature, both Western and from Asian and African contexts. It establishes a theoretical foundation by exploring previous analyses of similar themes in other works of literature. A significant portion focuses on establishing the international recognition and critical acclaim of Hamid's works, setting the stage for the analysis of his novels in subsequent chapters. It provides context for understanding the unique perspective Hamid offers within the broader discourse of postcolonial literature.
Research Methodology: This section details the research methods employed in the study. It clarifies the type of research undertaken, outlining the specific theoretical framework used to guide the analysis of Hamid's novels. The chosen research method is described in detail, followed by an explanation of the resources used throughout the research process. This chapter provides transparency into the methodological choices and ensures the rigor and validity of the research.
Content Analysis: This chapter forms the core of the research, providing detailed analyses of Moth Smoke and How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia. It examines the characters' experiences of disillusionment and alienation, exploring the underlying social, cultural, economic, and political factors. The analysis delves into the thematic focus of each novel, exploring recurring motifs and their significance in conveying the central themes. It further analyzes the use of literary devices and stylistic choices to convey the intended message. By comparing and contrasting the themes and representations in both novels, it attempts to establish a cohesive understanding of Hamid's literary contribution to the discourse on postcolonial experiences.
Keywords
Postcolonial literature, Mohsin Hamid, disillusionment, alienation, identity, cultural conflict, Pakistan, Moth Smoke, How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia, economic disparity, social commentary, existentialism, pessimism.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Disillusionment and Alienation in Mohsin Hamid's Novels
What is the main topic of this research?
This research analyzes the themes of disillusionment and alienation in Mohsin Hamid's novels, Moth Smoke and How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia, within the context of postcolonial Pakistan and identity construction.
What are the key themes explored in the research?
The research explores disillusionment and alienation as responses to postcolonial realities; identity construction amid cultural and economic conflict; the influence of social, economic, and political factors on individual experiences; literary techniques used to portray alienation and disillusionment; and existential themes and pessimism in Hamid's works.
Which novels by Mohsin Hamid are analyzed?
The research focuses on a detailed content analysis of Moth Smoke (2000) and How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia (2013).
What is the structure of the research paper?
The paper includes an introduction, a literature review, a methodology section, and a content analysis section. The introduction sets the context and objectives. The literature review examines existing scholarship on disillusionment and alienation. The methodology section details the research approach. The content analysis provides in-depth analyses of both novels, exploring themes, characters, and literary techniques.
What theoretical frameworks are used in the analysis?
The study utilizes theoretical frameworks from Karl Marx and Homi K. Bhabha to analyze cultural and identity conflicts contributing to the characters' estrangement and their struggles for success.
What aspects of the novels are analyzed?
The analysis delves into the disillusionment and alienation experienced by characters, exploring the social, cultural, economic, and political factors contributing to these feelings. It examines thematic focuses, recurring motifs, literary devices, and stylistic choices in both novels. The analysis also compares and contrasts themes and representations in both novels.
What specific aspects of disillusionment and alienation are examined within the novels?
The analysis examines how disillusionment and alienation are manifested in the characters' lives, exploring the social scenarios, cultural conflicts, and economic and political conditions that lead to these states. Specific attention is given to the use of pseudonyms, existentialism, pessimism and stereotyping within the novels.
What is the significance of this research?
The research contributes to a deeper understanding of postcolonial literature, the portrayal of disillusionment and alienation, and the construction of identity in postcolonial societies. It offers insights into Mohsin Hamid's literary contributions and his exploration of cultural and identity crises.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
Postcolonial literature, Mohsin Hamid, disillusionment, alienation, identity, cultural conflict, Pakistan, Moth Smoke, How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia, economic disparity, social commentary, existentialism, pessimism.
- Citation du texte
- Farheen Shakir (Auteur), 2014, Disillusionment and Alienation in Hamid's selected works, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/345546
