REPRESENTATION OF OTHERS AND RESISTANCE: A POSTCOLONIAL STUDY OF FATIMA BHUTTO'S THE RUNAWAYS (2018)

Abstract

This research study examines the novel "The Runaways" by Fatima Bhutto, exploring how it utilises Stuart Hall's theory of representation to portray the identities and experiences of its protagonists within a postcolonial framework. The analysis focuses on how the work portrays opposition to colonial and postcolonial narratives and power hierarchies, emphasising the characters' fight against forced identities and social norms. This research delves further into Bhutto's narrative structure and character development, emphasising how these aspects lead to a sophisticated comprehension of cultural hybridity and identity fluidity in postcolonial nations. The study offers a focused analysis of the relationship between representation, identity, and resistance in Bhutto's work, specifically via the lens of "The Runaways" and Hall's theoretical framework. It does not make any parallels to other postcolonial literature or writers. This methodology enables a comprehensive examination of Bhutto's distinctive impact on postcolonial dialogue by depicting intricate and diverse people who navigate a society influenced by historical and contemporary power structures.