This paper examines how multiculturalism and its impact is depicted in Zadie Smith’s “NW” based on the experiences of three leading characters and their partners. Apart from that it aims to conclude whether or not NW’s diverse society can be characterised according to the melting pot or the salad bowl theory.
Multiculturalism has always been and will probably always be a far-reaching and simultaneously hotly debated issue. It is not just about the choice whether to eat at a Chinese or Italian restaurant but is also prevalent in the every-day communication with people. For many people, like for Zadie Smith, multiculturalism is a matter of course but for others it still represents a critical subject.
Due to globalization and the concurrent improvement of transport and communication technologies migration processes have become faster and easier than ever. People constantly change their place of living and working and consequently relationships have become not just international but also multicultural. The composition of different cultural communities in the countries of destination are constantly being transformed and diversified which thus can result to discrimination and prejudice.
London has consistently been a popular destination for immigrants from all places and is by far one of the world’s most diverse cities.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Multiculturalism
- Cultural studies
- Literary studies
- How is Multiculturalism depicted in Zadie Smith's NW?
- Leah Hanwell and Michel
- Keisha/Natalie Blake and Frank
- Felix Cooper and Annie
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines how multiculturalism and its impact is depicted in Zadie Smith's NW based on the experiences of three leading characters and their partners. Additionally, it aims to determine whether or not NW's diverse society can be characterized according to the melting pot or the salad bowl theory.
- The depiction of multiculturalism in Zadie Smith's NW
- The experiences of characters with diverse cultural backgrounds
- The impact of multiculturalism on the lives of the characters
- The applicability of the "melting pot" and "salad bowl" theories to the novel's society
- The portrayal of hybridity and multicultural identities
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction provides a contextualization of the concept of multiculturalism, outlining its importance and its multifaceted nature in contemporary society. It highlights the complexities of multiculturalism, particularly in the context of globalization and migration. The chapter further discusses the "melting pot" and "salad bowl" theories, offering contrasting perspectives on the integration of diverse cultures.
The chapter on multiculturalism delves into its significance in cultural and literary studies, highlighting its emergence as a prominent subject in the latter half of the 20th century. The chapter explores the impact of mass immigration on the development of British multicultural literature, particularly focusing on the works of Zadie Smith.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper explores key terms and concepts related to multiculturalism, including its manifestation in contemporary British literature, particularly in Zadie Smith's novel NW. Key themes include hybridity, multicultural identities, the "melting pot" and "salad bowl" theories, and the experiences of characters with diverse cultural backgrounds within the context of a multicultural society.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Jasmin Haddad (Autor:in), 2019, Multiculturalism in "NW" by Zadie Smith, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/976071
