Representation of Chuck as a National Allegory in H.M. Naqvi's Home Boy
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Department of English
Abstract
Representation of Chuckas a National Allegory in H.M Naqvi's Home Boy
The novel,Home Boy by H.M Naqvi, tells the story of Pakistanimen who
migrate to America to fulfill their dream of freedom and prosperity. The novel is set
during tragic event of 9/11 terrorist attack on USA and in volves the after math faced
by Muslim citizens with no stalgic autobiographical representation of past, in form of
sharing memories hugely associated with Pakistan. The concept of ‘home’ is highly
stressed in the novel. The title Home Boy itself contradicts regularly in the text. The
space between the character's present and his home is maintained by association of
his home and home land memories.So, the research investigates Chuck's role in the
formation of the meaning of the textin light of Fredric Jameson's theory of allegory
and ideology. Naqviin his novelusesChuckasnational allegoryto represent the
various elements experienced by immigrants away from their home land and to put
forth the American response to the 9/11 event. He uses memories and nostalgic
representation of past associated with the homeland of experiencing agent to deploy
the meaning. Most common elements represented are hardships, fear, suppression,
racism, stereotyping, inequalities,issues of identity andinhumane treatment suffered
by the immigrants.
Keywords: National Allegory, Representation, Agency, Immigrant, Stereotyping, 9/11