The Loss and Recovery of Identity in Monica Ali's Brick Lane and Zadie Smith's NW

Bc. Anna Hevessyová

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Tato diplomová práce se zaobírá tématem identity v románech dvou Britských autorek - Zadie Smith a Moniky Ali, narozené v Bangladéši. Hlavní důraz kladu na prominentní ženské postavy a způsob, jakým jednají se svojí osobnostní krizí. Tvrdím, že člověk může ztratit svoji prvotní identitu ve prospěch druhé v procesu sebeinvence. Dále tvrdím, že člověk ale také může žít dvojí identitou, potlačovat svoji skutečnou identitu, jako i obnovit tu ztracenou.

Abstract:

This Master's thesis deals with the topic of identity as it is depicted in the works of Bangladeshi-born British writer Monica Ali and British writer Zadie Smith. My main focus lies on the predominant female characters and the way they deal with their identity crisis. I argue that one’s initial identity can be lost in favour of a second one in a process of self-invention. I further argue that a person can be drifting between two identities, repress his or her true identity as well as being capable of its restoration.

Keywords

key words, identity crisis, cultural dualism, displacement, exile, Bangladeshi, British, gender stereotypes

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 12. 1. 2015

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 18. 6. 2015
• Supervisor: prof. Mgr. Milada Franková, CSc.
• Reader: Mgr. Martina Horáková, Ph.D.

Masaryk University

Faculty of Arts

Master programme / field:
Philology / English Language and Literature