Identity Redefinition in Postcolonial Fiction. A Case Study: Aravind Adiga’s The White Tiger

Abstract

The White Tiger, the winner of the Man Booker Prize, written by Aravind Adiga depicts the negative image of the contemporary India. Studies have examined the novel from a sociopolitical view attempting to scheme its effects on individuals’ identity; however, this dissertation mainly focuses on the psychological conflict of the protagonist identity. The investigation of Balram Halwai’s identity is achieved through an analytical and an exploratory research. In order to psychoanalyze the protagonist’s identity struggle, this dissertation interprets The White Tiger in accordance to Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic analysis of the defense mechanism and Frantz Fanon's interpretation of his theory of violence to highlight the psychological component in identity redefinition. On the basis of this process, this work determines that Balram Halwai’s new identity is the outcome of his distinct consciousness, and his use of various defense mechanisms reduces his anxiety reaching selfesteem. It also concludes that The White Tiger is a call for a revolution opposing the peaceful ways of the Indian working class and threatens to bring about the fall of the corrupt system currently in control.