A Comparative Study of Tayeb Salih’s Season of Migration to the North and Hanif Kureishi’s My Son the Fanatic: The Crisis of Identity in Postcolonial Literary Works

Abstract

Throughout postcolonial societies, identity is amongst the most contentious and problematic concerns. The topic of identity in postcolonial literature will be explored in this study, using critical postcolonial theory to examine the complicated topic of identity struggles in Tayeb Salih's Season of Migration to the North (1969) and Hanif Kureishi’s short story My Son the Fanatic (1994). Following a detailed examination, the study highlights the complex concept of hybridity and identity in a neocolonial environment, where a false concept of ‘purity’ defines and establishes identities. The protagonists’ struggles to improve and preserve an identity that straddles the line between complete integration and abandonment of their own culture are depicted in the study. The findings of the study demonstrate how issues occur when the West is placed higher than the East, and the postcolonial self is brainwashed and absorbed by this ideology. According to this study, oriental and occidental identities conflict still exists as long as the West maintains dominance over the East.

Stylistic Analysis of the Story My Son the Fanatic by Hanif Kureishi

“…This narrative choice emphasises the father's perspective, making his sense of helplessness and confusion palpable (Opoka, 2022). The limited perspective also highlights the distance between Parvez and Ali, as readers only glimpse Ali's motivations through Parvez's eyes, reinforcing the theme of generational and ideological divide (Alzouabi, 2022).…”

“…(Leech & Short, 2007, p. 207) My Son the Fanatic has been studied by scholars in various disciplines, including anthropology, sociology, postcolonial studies, and cultural studies. Scholars have examined how the story reflects the experience of immigrants in Britain and the complexities of cultural identity (Opoka, 2022;Alzouabi, 2022). The story has been seen as a representation of the struggle between East and West and the clash between traditional and modern values.…”

“…Additionally, comparative studies with other postcolonial authors could provide deeper insights into the common themes and stylistic strategies used to portray immigrant experiences. Educators might also consider incorporating My Son the Fanatic into curricula to facilitate discussions on cultural diversity and the challenges of assimilation (Alzouabi, 2022).…”