The Intersection of Diasporic and Postcolonial Perspectives in the Narratives of Geetanjali Shree

Abstract

The intersection of diasporic and postcolonial perspectives offers a rich analytical framework to explore the narratives of Geetanjali Shree, whose literary work often grapples with themes of identity, migration, and cultural memory. Shree’s storytelling uniquely blends the experiences of diaspora—often characterized by displacement, longing, and hybrid identities—with postcolonial themes that examine the legacies of colonial rule, the struggle for cultural autonomy, and the complexities of social and political reconfiguration in postcolonial societies. In examining Shree’s narratives, this study focuses on how these dual perspectives—diasporic and postcolonial—interact and overlap, creating a nuanced portrayal of characters who navigate multiple worlds, often simultaneously. Her characters frequently confront the lingering impacts of colonialism not just physically but also psychologically and culturally, as they attempt to reconcile their past with their present, their heritage with their current realities. This dual lens is particularly evident in her treatment of language, cultural practices, and inter-generational dialogues, where the past continually informs and reshapes the present. Moreover, Shree’s work delves into the concept of ‘home’ and belonging, themes central to both diasporic and postcolonial literature. For diasporic subjects, home is often a contested space of memory and desire, while postcolonial contexts complicate these feelings with the tensions of returning to or reclaiming spaces that have been transformed by colonial legacies. Shree’s narratives explore these dynamics, presenting home as a multifaceted concept influenced by migration, return, and the continuous negotiation of identity in spaces that are imbued with historical and personal significance. Additionally, her works address the construction and deconstruction of identities within the flux of cultural transitions. This involves a critical examination of how identities are formed at the intersection of local traditions and global influences, a common situation in postcolonial scenarios where the global and the local intersect in complex ways. Shree’s protagonists often embody this intersection, reflecting hybrid identities that challenge traditional notions of purity and authenticity, and illustrate the ongoing process of self-definition in a globally interconnected world. This study aims to contribute to the understanding of how diasporic and postcolonial narratives can coalesce in literary works, offering deeper insights into the complexities of race, ethnicity, and identity in a postcolonial world. By analyzing Geetanjali Shree’s narratives through these intersecting lenses, we can gain a richer comprehension of the multifarious ways in which historical, cultural, and personal trajectories shape individual and collective experiences in contemporary literature.