Explorations of Exile, Bilingualism and Identity in the Autobiographical Works of Nancy Huston and Eva Hoffman

Essai , 2008 , 15 Pages , Note: 2.0

Politique - Sujet: Globalisation, l'économie politique

The postmodern notions of exile and displacement are contested among scholars as their applications constantly undergo further transformation and modification. Especially the effects of globalization, including economic mass migration and other transnational population movements, have contributed to add a multiplicity of variations to their original denotation. Whilst in Greco-Roman Antiquity exile was coined as label for an individual banishment from a centre of civilization, in a postmodern context it refers to both a voluntary or involuntary human condition. Yet, beyond doubt, one must clearly distinguish between the different exilic experiences of various groups such as refugees, expatriates, émigrés, emigrants and so on because they differ in modalities and circumstances: it is obvious that enforced political displacement under harsh conditions and to an undesired place has a much more traumatic impact on self-identity than, for example, a planned migration for economic reasons. Yet exile was never a unitary category as it can refer to specific social and political conditions. Even though it is often used as an umbrella term, the motivations or direct causes to leave one’s country of origin can be as manifold as the various exilic realities in the host countries. Still, what all exiles have in common is the fact that they leave behind their home country in exchange for a life abroad. Nevertheless, in this context there are two questions that are crucial: has the exile chosen to leave or was s/he forced to do so? And is s/he part of a safety net or does s/he come to the host country unprotected?

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Exile

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This essay explores the themes of exile, bilingualism, and identity in the autobiographical works of Nancy Huston and Eva Hoffman. It aims to analyze how these authors' experiences of exile have shaped their personal development and creative achievements as writers.

• The complexities of exile as a postmodern human condition
• The impact of exile on self-identity and sense of belonging
• The role of language and culture in shaping identity
• The creative potential of exile as a catalyst for artistic expression
• The distinction between voluntary and involuntary exile

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: This section introduces the concept of exile as a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, particularly in the postmodern context. It highlights the diverse experiences of exile, including those of refugees, expatriates, émigrés, and emigrants. The introduction also introduces Nancy Huston and Eva Hoffman, focusing on their respective autobiographical works and their unique experiences of exile.
• Exile: This chapter delves into the experiences of exile as described by both Huston and Hoffman. It explores the concept of "home" and the loss of a sense of belonging, drawing on Hoffman's experiences as a Polish-Jewish immigrant to Canada. The chapter also examines the impact of language and cultural differences on identity formation, particularly in Hoffman's case. It concludes by highlighting the common themes of self-division and the creative potential of exile that both authors share.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This essay focuses on the key concepts of exile, bilingualism, identity, and the autobiographical works of Nancy Huston and Eva Hoffman. It examines the impact of exile on individual development, particularly in the context of cultural and linguistic differences. The analysis draws on the authors' personal experiences and insights into the complexities of navigating multiple identities and cultures.

• Université: University of Southampton (School of Humanities)
• Cours: Cultural Flows
• Note: 2.0
• Auteur: Kathrin Marisa Leimig (Auteur)
• Année de publication: 2008
• Pages: 15
• N° de catalogue: V167447
• ISBN (ebook): 9783640839339
• ISBN (Livre): 9783640839445
• Langue: anglais
• mots-clé: Identity, Autobiography, Bilingual Authors, Exile