Examination of the Tensions and Possibilities that Arise from Hybrid Identities in Zadie Smith’s Novels

Author(s)	Amit Madhukar Titare
Country	India
Abstract	This paper examines the concept of hybridity in the context of Zadie Smith’s novels, exploring both its inherent tensions and its potential for fostering self-discovery and cross-cultural understanding. It situates Smith’s work within theoretical discussions of hybridity, referencing scholars like Kraniauskas, Puri, Young, and Stoneham, who offer diverse perspectives on its implications and complexities. Through close readings of characters like Irie, Magid, and Millat in White Teeth, Alex-Li in The Autograph Man, the unnamed narrator in Swing Time, Leah and Natalie in NW, and Fatou in “The Embassy of Cambodia,” the paper analyzes how Smith’s characters navigate the challenges of belonging, authenticity, and self-definition within their hybrid identities. It argues that Smith’s narratives, while acknowledging the inherent tensions of hybridity, ultimately champion its potential for personal growth, cultural exchange, and the creation of a more inclusive and interconnected world.
Keywords	Zadie Smith, On Beauty, White Teeth, NW, The Autograph Man, Swing Time, Multiculturalism, Hybridity, Hybrid Identity, Ethnic Identity, Cultural Negotiation
Published In	Volume 5, Issue 5, September-October 2023
Published On	2023-10-23
Cite This	Examination of the Tensions and Possibilities that Arise from Hybrid Identities in Zadie Smith’s Novels - Amit Madhukar Titare - IJFMR Volume 5, Issue 5, September-October 2023.

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