The immigrant experience: multiculturalism, religious identity, Thatcherism and the clash of generations in selected works by Hanif Kureishi.

Islam, Sahidul

Abstract

This thesis, focusing on a wide range of texts by Hanif Kureishi, discusses postcolonial aspects of multiculturalism, racism, evolving religious identity, and the ways in which Thatcherism led to class rifts as well as entrepreneurial opportunities. It also examines how the social milieu of British society and the ancestral values of its immigrants resulted in clashes of cultures and generations. Within the theoretical framework of Homi K. Bhabha, the characters’ behaviour and their psychological reactions to the changing dynamics of British society are scrutinized through reference the key concepts of hybridity, liminality, ambivalence, and third space of enunciation. The thesis examines five primary works of Kureishi which are The Buddha of Suburbia (1990), The Black Album (1995), My Beautiful Laundrette (1986), My Son the Fanatic (1997), and Sammy and Rosie Get Laid (1992). Monica Ali’s Brick Lane (2003) and Ed Husain’s The Islamist (2007) are used as supporting texts in this research. The arguments in this thesis are further substantiated by some of Kureishi’s essays, interviews, documentaries, and newspaper articles in addition to the literary works indicated above. The uniqueness of this thesis lies partly in my argument that Kureishi - as a Westernised, atheistic creative author - inadequately and at some points sarcastically projects Islam; my emphasis on the way multiculturalism, despite celebrating diversity can trigger racism and violence, raising questions about the integration and assimilation into British society; and my discussion of the paradox of Thatcher’s economic policies which were detrimental to the working-class people. The thesis also explores how Kureishi, being a second-generation author of Asian heritage, presents a broader spectrum of the disparities and differences between the first-generation and second-generation immigrants in his works.

Citation

Islam, S. The immigrant experience: multiculturalism, religious identity, Thatcherism and the clash of generations in selected works by Hanif Kureishi. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4448505

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Nov 21, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 23, 2023
• Keywords: English
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4448505
• Additional Information: Department of English and American Studies; University of Hull
• Award Date: Sep 19, 2023