Postmodern Themes in Arundhati Roy’s and Ruth Prawer Jhabvala’s Novels

Abstract

This essay analyzes the postmodern elements in the works of Ruth Prawer Jhabvala and Arundhati Roy, examining how both authors reflect the intricacies of postcolonial societies. Despite differences in their settings and writing styles, their narratives incorporate postmodern techniques such as non-linear structures, fragmentation, and a challenge to grand narratives, enabling them to explore issues related to history, power, and identity in postcolonial contexts. One key postmodern theme in both authors’ works is hybridity, which highlights the dynamic and often contradictory identities shaped by postcolonial realities. Through fragmented storytelling, Roy and Jhabvala portray characters navigating the complex interplay of cultural, social, and historical forces, questioning rigid notions of identity. Displacement is another significant theme, examined both psychologically and physically, as characters struggle with feelings of alienation and belonging. This emotional and cultural dislocation critiques dominant historical and national narratives, offering a more individualized, fragmented view of postcolonial existence. Both authors also use intertextuality, blending references to various traditions and emphasizing the diverse perspectives within postcolonial societies. By employing these postmodern techniques, Roy and Jhabvala provide insightful critiques of colonial legacies and the ongoing processes of identity formation and historical re-imagination in postcolonial settings.