THE SENSE OF ALIENATION IN THE NEW LAND: A PALE VIEW OF THE HILLS

Abstract

One of the key postcolonial themes in the novel is the struggle for identity. Etsuko, the main character, is a Japanese woman who has been living in England for many years. She is caught between two cultures and struggles to reconcile her Japanese heritage with her British identity. Her daughter Niki, on the other hand, is a second-generation immigrant who grew up in England and feels disconnected from her Japanese heritage. Through their stories, Ishiguro explores the complexities of identity and the challenges faced by individuals belonging to multiple cultures. Through their stories, Ishiguro explores the complexities of identity and the challenges faced by individuals belonging to multiple cultures. The novel A Pale View of the Hills by Kazuo Ishiguro explores themes of hybridity and Otherness through the lens of the main character, Etsuko. Hybridity refers to the mixing of different cultures and identities, while otherness refers to the experience of being perceived as different or foreign. Kazuo Ishiguro’s work can indeed be seen as representative of a cosmopolitan writer who navigates global themes and perspectives. As a writer who was born in Japan, raised in England, and has lived in various countries, Ishiguro’s experiences and background greatly inform his writing. One way in which Ishiguro embodies cosmopolitanism is through his exploration of universal themes that transcend national and cultural boundaries. His novels often delve into themes such as memory, identity, and the human condition, which resonate with readers from different cultural backgrounds. For example, in his acclaimed novel “A Pale View of the Hills,” Ishiguro raises ethical questions about cloning and the consequences of scientific advancements, which are relevant to a global audience. Furthermore, Ishiguro’s characters often embody a sense of displacement or cultural hybridity, reflecting his own experiences as a global citizen.