Comming of AGE A Study of Growing Up Experiences in Select Novels of Abdulrazak Gurnah

Abstract

newline ABSTRACT newlineThe present research entitled Coming-of-Age: A Study of Growing Up Experiences in Select newlineNovels of Abdulrazak Gurnah investigates the multifaceted theme of Coming-of-Age in the newlineliterary oeuvre of Abdulrazak Gurnah, a Nobel Prize-winning contemporary East African newlineauthor. Focusing on a carefully curated selection of Gurnah s novels such as Memory of newlineDeparture (1987), Dottie (1990), Paradise (1994), and Gravel Heart (2017), the research aims newlineto discern the intricate nuances of the protagonists journeys toward maturity, examining the newlineinterplay of psychological, social, intellectual, and personal factors that shape their coming-ofage newlineexperiences. The research contributes to the broader understanding of the Coming-of-Age newlinegenre, particularly in the context of African literature, and offers an in-depth analysis of the newlineauthor s unique narrative style and thematic preoccupations. Coming-of Age, as a theoretical newlineframework serves as a lens to explore the evolving identities of the various characters against newlinethe backdrop of East Africa s complex socio-cultural landscape. By employing a broad newlineanalytical framework of postcolonial perspective, the study seeks to unravel the unique ways newlinein which the writer captures the challenges and transformations associated with growing-up newlinephase in diverse socio-cultural landscapes. Through its interdisciplinary approach, the study newlinecontributes not only to the understanding of Coming-of-Age as a genre but also to broader newlinediscussions within postcolonial literature, and the representation of identity in contemporary newlineglobal literature. newlineThe first chapter introduces the central theme of Coming-of-Age in the select novels newlineof Gurnah, providing an overview of his literary contributions and significance as a Nobel newlinePrize-winning East African author. It outlines the literature review, research objectives, newlinequestions, scope, and methodology, offering readers a clear understanding of the study s newlinepurpose and direction. The second chapter Coming-of-Age as a Genre: A Critical Focus newlinedelves into the theoretical framework of the coming-of-age genre, providing a comprehensive newlinereview of existing literature and tracing its evolution and significance in literary studies. It newlinecritically examines the defining characteristics of coming-of-age narratives and explores newlinevarious theoretical perspectives that inform the study. newlineThe third chapter Growing Up Experiences in Memory of Departure and Paradise newlinevi newlinefocuses on Memory of Departure and Paradise, exploring the coming-of-age experiences of newlinethe protagonists through close readings. It examines the influence of psychological, social, newlineintellectual, and personal factors on their journeys toward maturity. Key themes such as identity newlineformation, cultural conflict, and the impact of colonial history on the characters development newlineare analysed. Continuing the exploration of coming-of-age themes, the fourth chapter newline Growing Up Experiences in Dottie and Gravel Heart focuses on Dottie and Gravel Heart. It newlineprovides a detailed analysis of the protagonists journeys to adulthood, emphasising the roles newlineof gender and sexuality in their development. The chapter also investigates the challenges, newlineconflicts, and transformative moments faced by the characters, along with the impact of newlinefamilial relationships and generational dynamics on their coming-of-age experiences. newlineAnd the fifth chapter synthesises the findings from the previous analysis, offering a newlinecomprehensive conclusion to the research. It summarises the key insights gained from studying newlinethe coming-of-age themes in Gurnah s selected novels. It also reflects on the contributions of newlinethe study to literary scholarship and suggests potential areas for future research. newlineKeywords: Abdulrazak Gurnah, bildungsroman, coming-of-age, Dottie, Gravel Heart, newlineMemory of Departure, Paradise, postcolonial literature newlinevii