| dc.description.abstract | This thesis takes its point of departure in the deconstruction of contemporary literary
representations of race, gender, and class that are produced by ideologies of the neo-colonial,
neo-imperial, neoliberal, and patriarchal discourses embedded in the societal norms, with
particular reference to Zadie Smith’s NW (2012) and Bernardine Evaristo’s Girl, Woman,
Other (2019). These concepts can be traced back to the ideas proposed by theorists such as
Edward Said, Homi Bhabha, Stuart Hall, Paul Gilroy, Judith Butler, David Olusoga and Ania
Loomba. While each theorist argues one argument in relation to their respective fields, one
common conclusion between them is the fact that the concepts of race, gender, and class are
socially constructed. Based on this main argument, I investigate how these concepts relate to
experiences of inequality and otherness in British society.
This thesis argues that despite the fact that one’s identity is constructed through
normative narratives, it is possible to challenge such established norm imposed by the
discourses of certain ideologies. For this reason, this thesis will address the subjugations that
are caused by identity politics, focusing on, the individual’s race, gender preferences, and
social class. Through a close reading of Zadie Smith’s NW (2012) and Bernardine Evaristo’s
Girl, Woman, Other (2019), the analysis will cooperate in a dialogue with primarily
postcolonialism, feminism and cultural studies. | |
