Cultural Hybridity and Identity Crisis in The Inheritance of Loss

Abstract

This paper explores the themes of cultural hybridity and identity crisis in Kiran Desai’s novel, The Inheritance of Loss. Set in post-colonial India and the United States, the novel delves into the lives of characters who navigate the complexities of hybrid identities and the resulting psychological turmoil. Through a detailed analysis of characters such as Sai, Jemubhai Patel, and Biju, the study examines how colonial legacies and global influences shape their fragmented identities. The socio-political backdrop of the Gorkhaland movement further enriches the narrative, highlighting the interconnectedness of individual and collective struggles for recognition and self-definition. This paper underscores the importance of understanding the multifaceted nature of identity in a globalized world and the ongoing impact of colonial histories on contemporary identities.