This paper examines how Kureishi depicts the matter of growing up in a (Western) society having a multicultural background in his novel "The Buddha of Suburbia". The analysis will focus on the main character of Karim. The method of practical criticism will be applied and furthermore the author will rely on pertinent secondary literature. Based on selected motives and scenes concerning the protagonist, it will be explored how the novelist broaches the issue of hybridity in his story. Therefore, it will be refered to relevant postcolonial theories dealing with the subject of colonization and identity.
The theorists to be mainly drawn on will be Homi K. Bhabha, Edward Said, and Stuart Hall. To fully understand Kureishi‘s main figure it is crucial to consider England‘s historical background in the 1970s. Set in times of change and immigration the novel requires to take these then tense social conditions into account. Hence, the following lead questions will guide this analysis: How and where does Kureishi show the issue of hybridity through his main character Karim?
By merely reading the books´ title, one gets a sense of the novel´s main theme. The connotation of each of the two subjects already creates an atmosphere of two different and yet cohesive aspects. While Buddha (from a European point of view) stands for something being far away, strange, exotic, the term suburbia reminds of something that is around the corner, familiar, comforting. Thus, already the title hints at one of the main themes The Buddha of Suburbia deals with.
It is a subject the Western world is heavily confronted with these days: Who am I? Where do I come from? And followed by the inevitable subsequent question: Where do I belong? Obviously, this question is mainly asked by people with at least two cultural backgrounds. In 1990 Hanif Kureishi looked into this subject in his aforementioned novel. Born in 1954 in London, the author himself grew up as son of an English mother and a Pakistani father.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Short Summary of The Buddha of Suburbia
- Relevant Key Concepts
- Postcolonial Studies
- Hybridity
- Identity
- Historical and Social Background
- Hybridity and Identity in the Character of Karim
- In-betweenness
- Theatre
- Third Space
- Gender and Sexuality
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper analyzes Hanif Kureishi's The Buddha of Suburbia, focusing on how the author depicts the experience of growing up with a multicultural background in Western society. The analysis centers on the main character, Karim, using practical criticism and relevant postcolonial theories from Homi K. Bhabha, Edward Said, and Stuart Hall. The paper explores how Kureishi portrays hybridity within the context of 1970s England, considering the social and historical backdrop of immigration and cultural change.
- Hybridity and Identity
- Postcolonial Identity Formation
- Cultural In-Betweenness
- The Impact of Colonial History
- Representation of Multiculturalism
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This chapter introduces the central theme of the novel, the inherent tension and unity between "Buddha" (representing the exotic and distant) and "Suburbia" (representing the familiar and commonplace). It establishes the core question of identity and belonging, particularly relevant for individuals with multicultural backgrounds. The author's personal background and the methodology of the analysis—practical criticism and engagement with postcolonial theory—are clearly outlined. The chapter sets the stage for exploring how Kureishi depicts the complexities of hybridity through the experiences of Karim, the novel's protagonist. The key research questions, focusing on Kureishi's portrayal of hybridity through Karim, are also presented.
Short Summary of The Buddha of Suburbia: This section provides a concise overview of Kureishi's novel, introducing Karim, the protagonist and first-person narrator, and his upbringing in suburban London during the 1970s. It highlights Karim's struggle with his dual British and Indian heritage as the central conflict driving the narrative. The summary serves as a succinct introduction to the novel's core storyline, preparing the reader for a more in-depth analysis of specific themes within the subsequent chapters.
Relevant Key Concepts: This chapter introduces the theoretical framework for the analysis. It lays the groundwork by explaining the concept of postcolonial studies, emphasizing the complexities of colonization and its lasting impact on identity and representation. The chapter defines key terms—hybridity and identity—within the context of postcolonial theory. It then delves into specific theoretical contributions from Homi K. Bhabha, acknowledging his work on in-between spaces and the formation of selfhood within hybrid cultural contexts. The chapter establishes the intellectual underpinnings for the interpretation of the novel's themes.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Hybridity, Postcolonialism, Identity, Multiculturalism, The Buddha of Suburbia, Hanif Kureishi, Karim Amir, In-betweenness, Cultural Identity, Colonial Discourse.
Hanif Kureishi's "The Buddha of Suburbia": Frequently Asked Questions
What is this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of an academic paper analyzing Hanif Kureishi's novel, The Buddha of Suburbia. It includes the table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The analysis focuses on the themes of hybridity and identity within a postcolonial context.
What is the main focus of the paper?
The paper analyzes how Hanif Kureishi depicts the experience of growing up with a multicultural background in Western society, specifically focusing on the main character, Karim. It uses practical criticism and postcolonial theories from scholars like Homi K. Bhabha, Edward Said, and Stuart Hall.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include hybridity and identity, postcolonial identity formation, cultural in-betweenness, the impact of colonial history, and the representation of multiculturalism in 1970s England.
Which theoretical framework is used in the analysis?
The analysis utilizes postcolonial studies, focusing on concepts such as hybridity and identity as they relate to the experiences of individuals with multicultural backgrounds. The work of Homi K. Bhabha is specifically referenced regarding "in-between spaces" and the formation of selfhood in hybrid cultural contexts.
What is the significance of the character Karim?
Karim, the protagonist and first-person narrator, is central to the analysis. His struggle with his dual British and Indian heritage exemplifies the complexities of hybrid identity and the central conflict driving the narrative.
What is covered in the "Introduction" chapter?
The introduction establishes the central theme of the novel – the tension and unity between "Buddha" (the exotic) and "Suburbia" (the familiar) – and the core question of identity and belonging. It outlines the author's background, methodology (practical criticism and postcolonial theory), and key research questions focusing on Kureishi's portrayal of hybridity through Karim.
What does the "Short Summary of The Buddha of Suburbia" section provide?
This section offers a concise overview of the novel, introducing Karim and his upbringing in suburban London during the 1970s, highlighting his struggle with his dual heritage as the central narrative conflict.
What key concepts are discussed in the "Relevant Key Concepts" chapter?
This chapter explains postcolonial studies, emphasizing the lasting impact of colonization on identity and representation. It defines key terms like hybridity and identity within a postcolonial context and delves into the theoretical contributions of Homi K. Bhabha on in-between spaces and selfhood in hybrid cultural contexts.
What are the keywords associated with the paper?
Keywords include: Hybridity, Postcolonialism, Identity, Multiculturalism, The Buddha of Suburbia, Hanif Kureishi, Karim Amir, In-betweenness, Cultural Identity, Colonial Discourse.
What is the overall objective of this academic preview?
To provide a comprehensive overview of an academic paper analyzing Hanif Kureishi's The Buddha of Suburbia, focusing on the themes of hybridity and identity formation within a postcolonial framework.
- Quote paper
- Daniel Jung (Author), 2019, The Issue of Hybridity in "The Buddha of Suburbia", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/518322