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VOL. 10, ISSUE 2 (2024)
Diasporic longing and cultural fragmentation in Geetanjali shree’s tomb of sand: Themes of home and exile
Authors
Devinder Kumar, Ravinder Kumar
Abstract
Geetanjali Shree’s Tomb of Sand (originally Ret Samadhi) offers a
profound exploration of diasporic longing and cultural fragmentation through
its narrative of home and exile. This novel delves into the experiences of a
widow, who, after the death of her husband, embarks on a journey of
self-discovery and confrontation with her past. The text serves as a rich site
for examining how diasporic identities are shaped by both geographical
displacement and the cultural legacies that inform them. At the heart of Tomb
of Sand lies a thematic preoccupation with the notion of home—both as a
physical space and as a metaphor for emotional and cultural belonging. Shree’s
narrative portrays the protagonist's quest to reclaim her sense of self from
the shadows of colonial and post-colonial history, revealing the complexities
of diasporic existence. The protagonist's journey from her home in India to the
land of her ancestors reflects a broader exploration of exile, where physical
displacement is intertwined with a deeper sense of cultural fragmentation. The
novel's structure, oscillating between past and present, illustrates how
diasporic longing manifests as a continuous search for meaning and continuity.
Through intricate storytelling and vivid characterization, Shree addresses the
alienation and nostalgia that accompany the diasporic experience. The
protagonist’s physical and emotional travels serve as metaphors for the
diasporic struggle to reconcile fragmented identities and find a sense of
belonging in a world marked by loss and change. By engaging with themes of
memory, identity, and displacement, Tomb of Sand offers a nuanced examination
of how personal and collective histories shape and are shaped by the experience
of diaspora. Shree’s work reflects on the dynamics of home and exile, providing
a poignant commentary on how cultural heritage and personal agency intersect in
the diasporic experience.
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Pages:1-3
How to cite this article:
Devinder Kumar, Ravinder Kumar "Diasporic longing and cultural fragmentation in Geetanjali shree’s tomb of sand: Themes of home and exile". International Journal of English Research, Vol 10, Issue 2, 2024, Pages 1-3
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