Cultural Identity Diaspora Analysis

The understanding that human identity is something fixed and transcendental stands decisively contested in the present times. Different perspectives based on postmodernist and Deconstructionist thought are offered to assert the fluid and transient nature of reality as well as human reality. The material factors that point out instability of identity can be traced in cultural transgression and displacement in temporal and spatial terms. In the same way, one’s attempts to retrieve earlier identity reveal elusive nature of identity. The changing aspects of identity are further related to the factors that result in one’s displacement, dislocation and ultimate relocation. These aspects of identity have a special significance for women in traditionally

She like a liberated woman starts seeking her independent existence. She ignores Leelawati’s resentment and visits parlour regularly. Thus her identity becomes fluid and is not restricted. Stuart Hall defines this process of identity in his article “Cultural Identity and Diaspora,” “… as a 'production', which is never complete, always in process, and always constituted within, not outside, representation.”(Hall 222). He further explains, “Identity is continuously recreated in a process of “being” and “becoming” (Hall 223)--a process in which identity conditions and is conditioned by the subject. Neb has boldly represented the suppressed desires of a lonely woman which culminates in her dynamic identity. Devika deviates from social norms, transgresses the accepted conventions and enters “the jungle of desires…She would turn weak and succumb to her desires the moment her mind wavered and she found herself lonely and free…The words moral, sin, shame were like the trees that a traveler leaves behind.”( Neb 126). She breaks fetters of tradition and endeavors to attract opposite personality like Devender. He is an acquaintance from village who breaks monotony and brings a sudden change in life of Devika. Devender’s advances are received as vision of smiling, limitless world, “She’s been enjoying with new companion. There must be others like her…It needs courage only, the courage to face the world, to seek happiness, to defy the norms.”(Neb 149). But suddenly Anamika’s face appeared before her and she suppresses her instincts for the sake of