Title:
NAIPAUL'S A HOUSE FOR MR. BISWAS: A STUDY OF THE COMPLEXITIES OF CULTURAL IDENTITY AND EXISTENTIAL STRUGGLE

Authors:
Lailatuz-Johora and S.M. Sabbih Hossain*, Bangladesh

Abstract:
This article examines V.S. Naipaul's A House for Mr. Biswas, focusing on the intertwined themes of assimilation, acculturation, displacement, and desolation in the context of post-colonial Trinidad. The novel, a poignant narrative of the protagonist Mohun Biswas, delves into the complexities of cultural identity and the existential struggles faced by individuals navigating the remnants of colonial rule. Mr. Biswas’s relentless quest for a house symbolizes his yearning for stability, autonomy, and self-worth amidst the socio-cultural constraints imposed by both his ancestral heritage and the colonial society he inhabits. The analysis highlights how Naipaul portrays the protagonist’s efforts to reconcile his inherited Indian identity with the demands of a dominant colonial culture, illustrating the broader challenges of cultural integration in a postcolonial world. Furthermore, the paper explores how the novel’s depiction of Mr. Biswas’s emotional and physical displacements reflects the broader diasporic experience, emphasizing the pervasive sense of alienation and existential despair that characterizes his life. Through this exploration, the article offers insights into the novel’s commentary on the enduring impacts of colonialism on personal and collective identities, contributing to the broader discourse on postcolonial literature.