Exploring the Concept of Mimicry in Diaspora Literature: An Analysis of "An American Brat".

Abstract

As colonizers, literature continues to arise from the diaspora of South Asian across the world, such narratives are repeatedly used to bring to highlight dilemma of fictional characters trapped between two diverse cultures. Same is the situation with the famous novel of Bapsi Sidhwa “An American Brat” (2012). This novel is often investigated through the perspective of   the identity conflicts that are faced by the protagonist of novel, Feroza. This research deals with the novel “An American brat” with different lens. The main aim behind this research is to explore the concept of mimicry in novel “An American Brat”. This study has been done in the milieu of framework given by Homi. K. Bhabha. The results of this research show that protagonist of novel “Feroza” is following the concept of mimicry. She is following an American culture. Feroza experience a multifaceted method of “interpellation”, which forms her relationship to the America and to Pakistan. Moreover, Manek is not only following an American culture, but also insisting Feroza to follow the American culture. Feroza and Manek both are inspired by American norms. He was Manek who taught Feroza about the American norms. He taught her not only about American lifestyle as well.  Furthermore, this study investigates that Bapsi Sidhwa has portrayed the differences between American and Pakistani culture in her novel “An American Brat”.