The study aims to explore the issue of ethnicity, especially in Post-colonial era. It deals with ethnicity as a subject and Post-colonial ethnic behavior because in Post-colonial age the issue of ethnicity has its own significance. Moreover, it deals with problems of Parse community which they faced in sub-continent especially in Lahore, Pakistan.
It also highlights the issue of racism presenting the picture of pre-partition of sub-continent. The data of present research is a novel by Basic Sidhwa, "The Crow Eaters". Its analysis has been done with the help of qualitative method. Moreover, analysis is supported with the theory of Post-colonialism. Henceforth, the study explores the post-colonial ethnicity that, how Parse community had to face ethnic attitude of natives of and also the British rulers. Hence, the present research highlights the theme of ethnicity on the basis of minority, culture, religion and stereotypes.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Significance of the study
Statement of the problem
Objective of the study
Delimitation of Research
Literature Review
Research Methodology
Research Questions
Analysis
Conclusion
Research Objectives and Topics
This study aims to examine the manifestation of post-colonial ethnicity within Bapsi Sidhwa’s novel "The Crow Eaters," specifically analyzing how the Parsee community navigates identity, minority status, and cultural stereotypes in a post-colonial Pakistani context.
- The intersection of ethnicity, race, and post-colonial identity.
- The socio-political challenges faced by the Parsee minority in the subcontinent.
- Critical analysis of dominant versus subordinate cultural attitudes.
- The use of satire, irony, and black comedy to highlight ethnic tensions.
- Impact of colonial legacy on the post-partition social structure.
Excerpt from the Book
Analysis
Many writers write about post-colonial ethnicity in English literature but, Sidhwa is considered the best feminist post-colonial writer of Pakistan among them. All work of Sidhwa represents the true picture of her ethnic attitude. Siddha, in her novel, depicts the theme of ethnicity in various ways such as; communal, societal, national, religious, cultural, political and racial ethnicity. For instance, Sidhwa starts her novel “The Crow Eater” introducing her Parsee community that shows her ethnic behavior as a Parsee.
"….All important Parsee ceremonies like thanksgivings and death anniversaries [….] ancient […..] And Saints and [….] those who have served the community since the Parsee migrated to India…” (Sidhwa, 2015, p.1)
Sidhwa's shows affection toward her own community. Sidhwa through this novel highlights the ethnic behavior of the Raja's and Nawabs of Subcontinent and she describes the post-migration difficulties of the Parsee community, how it was difficult to survive in the Subcontinent, for instance;
“Here they were granted Sanctuary by the prince Yadv Rana on condition that they did not eat beef”. (Sidhwa, 2015, p.3)
Parsee community, after the migration from Iran, was permitted to enter India only after they accepted the culture and religious rules of the Subcontinent's rulers. As Tiffen et. al (2003) argues that ethnicity is a natural behavior of all dominant cultures toward subordinate and it’s depict not only the American ethnic critics and writers but also for Indian's and Pakistanis writers.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides a historical overview of the term ethnicity and defines the scope of post-colonial literature in relation to the struggles of native communities.
Significance of the study: Discusses the importance of analyzing Sidhwa’s work to better understand ethnic complexities in post-colonial Pakistan.
Statement of the problem: Identifies the scarcity of critical research on post-colonial ethnicity specifically regarding Bapsi Sidhwa’s "The Crow Eaters."
Objective of the study: Outlines the goal of exploring issues of ethnicity and race through the lens of Sidhwa’s selected novel.
Delimitation of Research: Defines the scope of the study as being restricted to six chapters of the novel and relevant scholarly citations.
Literature Review: Examines theoretical frameworks regarding post-colonialism, colonial characteristics, and ethnic identity as presented by various scholars.
Research Methodology: Describes the qualitative and interpretative approach used to analyze the textual data from the novel.
Research Questions: Presents the central inquiries regarding the depiction of ethnicity and race in the novel.
Analysis: Investigates the ethnic behavior of the Parsee community, their survival strategies, and their relationship with dominant cultures.
Conclusion: Summarizes the findings, emphasizing the struggle of the Parsee minority for ethnic survival against foreign and domestic power structures.
Keywords
Post-colonialism, ethnicity, identity, race, Parsee community, Bapsi Sidhwa, The Crow Eaters, minority, culture, religion, stereotypes, sub-continent, colonial legacy, satire, social survival.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research paper?
The paper focuses on exploring the themes of post-colonial ethnicity and identity within the context of Bapsi Sidhwa's novel "The Crow Eaters."
What are the primary thematic areas explored?
The study examines the Parsee community's experiences as a minority, the impact of colonial and post-colonial politics, cultural stereotypes, and racial dynamics.
What is the central objective of the study?
The primary objective is to deconstruct how Sidhwa depicts ethnic attitudes and the survival struggles of the Parsee community in the Indian subcontinent.
Which research methodology is employed?
The research utilizes a qualitative and interpretative approach, grounded in post-colonial theory, to analyze the novel's text.
What topics are covered in the main body of the work?
The analysis covers the significance of community identity, the critique of British colonial influence, the portrayal of cultural stereotypes, and the socioeconomic survival strategies of the Parsee minority.
Which keywords characterize this research?
Key terms include Post-colonialism, ethnicity, identity, race, Parsee, and Bapsi Sidhwa.
How does the author view the Parsee community in the novel?
The author highlights the Parsee community as a distinct, loyal, and charitable minority that has had to navigate complex relations with both British rulers and native majorities.
What role does satire play in Sidhwa’s writing according to this study?
Sidhwa uses irony and black comedy to expose the absurdities and cruelties inherent in social hierarchy and ethnic bias during the pre-partition era.
What specific challenges faced by the Parsee minority are highlighted?
The study highlights their struggle for cultural preservation and basic rights, noting their small population size and the necessity of navigating conflicting cultural demands.
How does the research connect the novel to post-colonial theory?
The paper aligns Sidhwa's depictions of the Parsee experience with theoretical concepts from scholars like Tiffin, particularly regarding the 'othering' of minorities in post-colonial societies.
- Citation du texte
- Zafar Iqbal (Auteur), Sundus Javaid (Auteur), 2018, Post-Colonial Ethnicity. A Critical Study of "The Crow Eaters" by Bapsi Sidhwa, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/425366
