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Redefining self-identity of the 'hybrid' female in contemporary English fiction
Author
Hoe, Shu Chen
Supervisor
Wee, C. J. Wan-ling
Abstract
This study explores the hybrid identity of the new generation of non-white English females, in relation to the concept of the 'English' identity. Instead of taking 'English' identity as an essential and definite identity, I argue that the hybrid female's English identity is built in relation to the social world that she inhabits.
In particular, I will look into the issues that the hybrid female youth faces as she reinvents herself, albeit unconsciously, through the influences of the social world she exists in. These issues have to do with her social and gender relationships. Other concerns include how changes in England's social and cultural landscape influence the construction of the hybrid female's identity. In view of these factors, I have chosen to do a study of four works which articulate the impact of these factors on the hybrid female's identity-formation process. I will be looking closely at three novels: Meera Syal's Anita and Me, Andrea Levy's Every Light in the House Burnin', Vanessa Walters' Rude Girls, and Gurinder Chadha's film Bend It Like Beckham.
In summary, this thesis examines the social construction of the non-white English female identity in England through external discovery in relation to the self s possibilities. It will also be a study of how the liberalism and individuation of English culture facilitate the self-fulfillment and empowerment of the hybrid female's identity as an English individual.
In particular, I will look into the issues that the hybrid female youth faces as she reinvents herself, albeit unconsciously, through the influences of the social world she exists in. These issues have to do with her social and gender relationships. Other concerns include how changes in England's social and cultural landscape influence the construction of the hybrid female's identity. In view of these factors, I have chosen to do a study of four works which articulate the impact of these factors on the hybrid female's identity-formation process. I will be looking closely at three novels: Meera Syal's Anita and Me, Andrea Levy's Every Light in the House Burnin', Vanessa Walters' Rude Girls, and Gurinder Chadha's film Bend It Like Beckham.
In summary, this thesis examines the social construction of the non-white English female identity in England through external discovery in relation to the self s possibilities. It will also be a study of how the liberalism and individuation of English culture facilitate the self-fulfillment and empowerment of the hybrid female's identity as an English individual.
Date Issued
2004
Call Number
PR830.S427 Hoe
Date Submitted
2004