Portrayal of Identity Crisis in Hamid’s The Last White Man

Abstract

This study delves into the intricate aspects surrounding individuals with a black identity in Hamid's novel, "The Last White Man," utilizing Frantz Fanon's "Black Skin, White Masks" as a theoretical framework for textual analysis. The novel is situated within the context of the psychosocial challenges faced by black individuals, delving deeply into issues connected to the conscious and unconscious minds of these individuals. Multiple facets of black identity are explored, leading to inaction, passivity, confusion, self-denial, and an inferiority complex, among various other similar issues. These themes are examined through the transformation of various characters within the novel, revealing the impact of traumatic experiences and the complex nature of black identity. The actions and decisions of these characters are shaped by a multitude of thoughts that factor into the broader social context of society. The truths concerning black individuals presented by the author are universally applicable. This research challenges the often-self-proclaimed idea of post-racial societies as it intersects with this discourse.