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Abstract

Matters of space and identity are almost unavoidable in discussions of postcolonial literature. In light of the recent increasing prevalence of literature from Nigeria, this dissertation discusses the interplay of place and identity in Nigerian postcolonial literature. It demonstrates the intrinsic link between space and identity, and the ways in which a change to one must impact upon the other, particularly in the postcolonial setting of upheaval and spatial redefinitions. Centring upon Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Purple Hibiscus, T. Obinkaram Echewa's I Saw the Sky Catch Fire, and Buchi Emecheta's Kehinde, it demonstrates through the commonalities between these texts the potential for a broader application across Nigerian postcolonial literature as a whole. It follows a progression from the representations of small, domestic spaces, through spaces of travel such as cars and airports, and into considerations of national and regional identities.

Central to my discussion is Tuan's distinction between space and place, with a space becoming a place only once imbued with meaning. This offers the opportunity of multiple places within a single space depending upon the inhabitant(s), and thus multiple stages for varying identities to be performed. Here Judith Butler's discussions of performative identity are extended from their original context of gender and sexuality to apply to the performance of all aspects of identity within various spatial 'stages,' and are applied to the discussion of performance within hybrid identities. I discuss Foucault’s concept of the heterotopia as a space of deviation in some way removed from reality, aligning the deviance of spatial expectations with deviation from identity norms. Alongside Augé's theory of non-places is applied, and the implications which these spaces can have for identity revelations. I also draw parallels between aspects of the novels and situations existing externally, from films to real life events attracting media coverage, in an attempt to make real the abstract concept of the heterotopia and non-spaces.

Course: English Language and Literature - BA (Hons) - C1045

Date Deposited: 2020-02-10

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis13534.html