25th Annual Student Research Conference
A Migration of Displacement: A Deconstructive Analysis of Kamila Shamsie's Burnt Shadows
Kyle M. Lehenbauer
Dr. Hena Ahmad, Faculty Mentor
Jack Balkin writes in his article, Deconstruction, that iterability refers to taking words and placing them in another context. For example, one has some meaning for the text, but putting it in another context, it alters the meaning, differing from the first one. This can be done in multiple ways, each meaning different from and contradicting each other. In Shamsies novel, the character suffers from the tragedy at Nagasaki during the end of the Second World War. She moves to Delhi, then NYC, having to cope with the displacement she has. One could say that the novels meaning is unfamiliarity having continuity with those who migrate to an unknown location. However, one might also say, taking the text in a different view that the character is not taking action to remove her from the situation shes in. The endgame leads to no conclusion to a meaning to the tale.
Keywords: Deconstruction, Burnt Shadows, Kamila Shamsie, Jack Balkin, displacement
Topic(s):English
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 102-4
Location: VH 1000
Time: 8:45