Celebration of subaltern history in anh do’s The Happiest Refugee
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Department of English
Abstract
The autobiography The Happiest Refugee is one of the examples of
transformation of a subaltern character, Anh Do, who rises from the pathetic refugee
position and attends an agency as a celebrity. Being a refugee, who is forced to be
stateless, Anh Do with his entire family comes closer to losing their lives on the sea when
they escape through an overcrowded boat from war-torn Vietnam. During Vietnam War
hundred of thousands of people were displaced. Murderous pirates attack Do’s family
members and relatives. They were not only robbed, the women were raped in front of the
family members and relatives. They suffered with severe hunger, disease and dehydration
when their boat is drifting on the sea for days. They had to bear pathetic life as refugees
even after they resettled in Australia. Anh Do and his family members not only face a lot
of inhumane tortures and trouble while heading to Australia as refugees, they have to
overcome uncountable hindrances in resettled country as well. Ruthless landlords exploit
them along with discrimination and domination of various forms. The life becomes
harder when Do’s father leaves home to live with next woman. Going beyond trauma,
Anh Do overcomes series of obstacles and transforms him as the happiest refugees by
celebrating his subaltern history.