Wandering 'In-Between': Identity Dilemmas in Joy Kogawa's Obasan and Itsuka
| Autor: | Ya-Wun Luo, 羅雅文 |
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| Rok vydání: | 2007 |
| Druh dokumentu: | 學位論文 ; thesis |
| Popis: | 95 This thesis presents its analysis of identity dilemmas in Joy Kogawa’s Obasan and Itsuka. Chapter One is an introduction, in which I explain the motivation and direction of this thesis, and review some of the critical literature of Obasan and Itsuka. Chapter Two discusses the identity dilemmas of the main characters in these two books and focuses on how they agonize over their physical and psychological struggles. These characters’ suffering manifests the identity crises in postcolonial societies. Chapter Three is based on the theoretical framework developed from Homi K. Bhabha's assertions in Location of Culture, and investigates how Naomi strives to identify the differences in her cultural “in-between” and creates a “Third Space” between her Japanese and Canadian identity. Bhabha’s conceptions of “ambivalence” and “hybirdity” also provide the theoretical basis for my arguments. Chapter Four is grounded on Stuart Hall’s rationale on “cultural identities” to inspect Naomi’s reconstruction of her personal and communal identity. The process of Naomi’s growth is a testimony to how marginalized minorities can overcome their identity confusion and evolve from repression to emancipation. Chapter Five recapitulates the main ideas of this thesis and affirms Joy Kogawa’s achievement in recalling the collective memory of Japanese Canadians, reconstructing their history during World War II, and fighting for reparation. |
| Databáze: | Networked Digital Library of Theses & Dissertations |
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