POLITICS OF BELONGING: POSTCOLONIAL PERSPECTIVES ON DIASPORIC EXPERIENCES OF IMMIGRANTS IN DUR E AZIZ AMNA’S AMERICAN FEVER

Abstract

Diaspora offers a complex dilemma, leading to the formation of a hyphenated identity. Immigrants face challenges on multiple levels—physically, mentally, and psychologically. This research examines the diasporic experiences of immigrants as depicted in Dur e Aziz Amna’s American Fever. The novel serves as a significant literary portrayal of the diasporic experiences of immigrants, illustrating how diaspora fosters the creation of fragmented identities, leaving individuals feeling displaced in both body and mind. It offers a critical examination of the diasporic experiences of the immigrants in America, portraying the complexities of cultural displacement and identity through Hira, a 16-year-old Pakistani girl navigating life in Oregon. Hira’s journey illustrates the evolution of her identity into a hybrid form, as she strives to reconcile her Pakistani heritage with American cultural norms. Rendered through a qualitative approach, the research findings suggest that diaspora significantly influences the formation of hyphenated identities and contributes to immigrants’ sense of alienation. This research aims to make a valuable contribution to the field of postcolonial studies.