Concealment of Characters’ Identity in a Hybrid Culture of Post-Colonial Regime in Gurnah’s By the Sea

Abstract

The study analyzes the concealment of characters’ identity in Abdulrazak Gurnah’s By the Sea through Herman’s trauma theory. The prime objective of the study is to understand the bizarre behaviour of the characters in the Zanzibari community and to develop an understanding of the forces that compel the locals to migrate from Zanzibar, also. The present study intends to observe and interpret the after-effects of colonialism in an East African region where the individuals, as well as families, suffer both obliteration and transformation of postcolonial identity across continents and cultures. The current research has used a unique style through which it brings together old and young generations, Eastern and Western culture and societies and the research sees how conflicts and issues and then their resolutions emerge. This study can be a ray of hope for people across cultures and continents as it has demolished the sculpture of rigid identity. It can be a token of love, and peace as it has restored the complementary relationships among the locals. However, further research can be conducted on the selected text under the perspectives of PTSD, object relations theory and postcolonial theory.