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Intersecting Paths: A Study of Identity in “Can You Hear the Nightbird Call”
Saroj Duhan
Abstract:
This far-reaching study, named “Intersecting Paths: A Study of Identity” in Can You Hear the Nightbird Call? dives into Anita Rau Badami's profound narrative, analyzing the intricate layers of identity formation within the setting of historical and cultural upheaval. Badami's characters fills in as a rich canvas portraying the intricacies of cultural, national, and orientation personalities, all interacting and overlapping in the existences of its characters. This research is grounded in the framework of intersectionality, which investigates how various types of identity intersect and influence individuals' life trajectories. The study investigates how individual characters are produced and improved because of socio-political dynamics and personal encounters. Anita Rau Badami, an acclaimed Indian-Canadian author, is prestigious for her distinctive storytelling and profound exploration of themes concerning identity, displacement, and the human experience. Brought into the world in India and later relocating to Canada, her assorted cultural encounters greatly influence her narrative landscapes. Can You Hear the Nightbird Call? is set against the backdrop of pivotal historical occasions in India, like the Partition of 1947 and the 1984 Anti-Sikh uproars, serving as a critical setting for the book. Theoretical frameworks underpinning this study include the examination of identity formation, diaspora and cultural identity theories, and the idea of intersectionality. These frameworks give a more profound understanding of the novel's themes and characters, allowing for a multidimensional analysis. The study scrutinizes character improvement in the novel, illustrating how individual personalities develop through transformative encounters, leading to self-realization and a reshaped understanding of cultural belonging. It features the profound impact of the socio-political setting on the characters' personalities, emphasizing the interplay of personal chronicles with larger socio-political narratives. Exploring the theme of identity, the research highlights the significance of diaspora in shaping's characters, examines the intersections of orientation, class, and nationality, and elucidates the interplay among personal and cultural identity. It highlights how personal and aggregate memory, intertwined with historical occasions, play pivotal roles in constructing and reconstructing characters.