Cultural Constructivity in Michelle Cohen Corasanti's The Almond Tree

Abstract

This present research work entitled "Cultural Constructivity in Corasanti's The Almond Tree "has made an attempt to explore representation of Palestinian cultural uniqueness in The Almond Tree by applying cultural studies. Three modes of the cultural studies are brought into fore; reflective, intentional and constructionist. When reflective representation is objective, intentional and constructionist representations are respectively political and discursive in nature. The legacy of colonialism compels the characters face several hurdles but still the characters are able to affirm their identity associated to the uniqueness of the Palestinian-cultural uniqueness. Michelle Cohen Corasanti excavates a history that continues to grip the socio-political reality of the Israeli-Palestinian struggle even today. The protagonist and his supporters ultimately become able to challenge the hegemony of Christianization. Abbas fills an important role in The Almond Tree providing a context for why some Palestinians choose a life of resistance, risking death, injury, torture and imprisonment. Thus, this research helps in understanding of Palestinian life, their struggle to overcome from hatred, hope for the possibility of redemption, dreams of peace than conflict and their unique culture. The researcher has attempted to represent unique Palestine culture through cultural studies reading perspective in the novel, The Almond Tree by Michelle Cohen Corasanti. Such study is new application in the text. Thus, it is claimed to be innovative within the context of scholarship.