Volume IV Special Issue VIII October 2024

Name of Author : Victoria Tonmayo Khangrah

Title of the paper : Temporal Fluidity and Diasporic Identity in Janice Pariats Everything the Light Touches

Abstract: The intricacies of marginality and the malleability of diasporic identity have been widely explored in contemporary postcolonial literature, as writers delve into the subtleties of cultural hybridity, displacement, and the ongoing negotiation of a sense of belonging. This paper examines the representation of marginality and diasporic identity in Janice Pariats Everything the Light Touches. The novels non-linear narrative weaves together myriads of historical and personal stories, demonstrating the perception of time as a bridge connecting events rather than being strictly linear. This fluidity reflects the diasporic experiences, where individuals navigate a certain aspect of cultural and historical influences that mold their unique identities. By juxtaposing past and present, Pariat highlights how memories and historical legacies continually impact current identities. The narrative displays how individuals adapt and weave their diverse experiences, projecting the essence of being human. The novel explores how temporal fluidity helps to understand the dynamic construction of diasporic identity, emphasizing the ongoing interplay between historical influences and personal narratives. Drawing upon the theoretical frameworks of Homi Bhabhas third space and Victor Turners concept of liminality, the analysis dives into the protagonists experiences of migration, cultural in-betweeness, and a shifting sense of self reflection.

Keywords : Marginality, Diaspora, Hybridity, Liminality, Memory

DOI :

Page Number : 131-135