The Concept of Self in Indian English Literature

Abstract

The concept of self in Indian English literature refers to the exploration and representation of individual and collective identity within the context of Indian society and culture, as depicted in literary works written in English by Indian authors. It involves an examination of how characters, themes, and narratives in Indian English literature reflect and shape notions of selfhood, self-identity, and self-discovery in the Indian context. Indian English literature emerged as a distinct genre during the colonial period when English became an important medium of literary expression for Indian writers. These writers often grappled with the complexities of cultural hybridity, the clash of traditions, and the negotiation of identities in a post-colonial society. The concept of self in Indian English literature therefore encompasses the exploration of individual identities shaped by factors such as colonialism, nationalism, cultural heritage, and socio-political dynamics.