The cultural negotiation process of the postmodern identity in ethnic literature: the case of Andrea Levy's fruit of the lemon, (1999)‎

Abstract EN

Cultural identity is a central debate among social scientists.

post-colonial theory offers two persuasive constructs: fanon's notion of hybrid identity and Bhabha' hybridization in post-colonial societies.

both of them negotiate postcolonial identities in an optimistic manner.

in contrast, hall's theory of cultural identity and diaspora is one of a conflict rather than synthesis.

he argues that cultural identity is formed along two simultaneously operative axes: the axe of similarity and the axe differences.

the intersection between the two creates a tortured identity that is fraught with ruptures and disjunctions.

his theory allows reading a post-colonial identity shaped by a skeptical and pessimistic postmodern lens.

fruit of the lemon reflects the questions of identity, culture, and belonging.

this research paper examines hall's pessimistic view of the postmodern identity on the novel.