Volume IV Special Issue VII September 2024

Name of Author : Anushruti, Dr. Naseer Ud Din Sofi

Title of the paper : Exploring Transitional Identities and the Unhomed Space in Meena Alexanders Manhattan Music

Abstract: Meena Alexanders Manhattan Music is a poetic work that delves into the complexities of transitional identities and the concept of an unhomed space. Transitional identities refer to the fluid and often conflicting identities that individuals possess, stemming from their cultural, national, and personal backgrounds. The unhomed space, on the other hand, is a liminal space that exists between different identities and experiences, serving as a catalyst for the negotiation of these identities. Alexander, an Indian poet who has spent much of her life in the United States, is uniquely positioned to explore these themes. Her poetry grapples with the tensions between her Indian heritage and her American experience, as well as the ways in which these identities intersect with her personal history. Through her use of language, imagery, and form, Alexander creates a rich tapestry of selfhood that is at once fragmented and cohesive, reflecting the complexities of her own transitional identity. One of the central themes in Alexanders Manhattan Music is the concept of an unhomed space. This space serves as a catalyst for the poets exploration of self and identity, providing a fertile ground for the negotiation of cultural, national, and personal identities. Through her use of imagery and language, Alexander creates a sense of disorientation and dislocation, reflecting the tensions that exist between different identities and the spaces that serve as their backdrop. Alexanders use of language is a key element in her exploration of transitional identities and the unhomed space. Her poetry is characterized by its use of multiple languages and dialects, reflecting the poets own multilingual background and the complexities of her identity.

Keywords : Dislocation, Dislocation, Multilingual Background, Transitional Identities, Unhomed Space.

DOI :

Page Number : 30-32