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Foreign
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Inner conflict in Abdulrazak Gurnah’s “By the Sea”
Uzbekistan State World Languages University
ARTICLE INFO
ABSTRACT
Article history:
Received April 2024
Received in revised form
10 May 2024
Accepted 25 May 2024
Available online
25 June 2024
This article analyzes Abdulrazaq Gurna's novel By the Sea,
which explores themes of displacement, identity and memory
through the stories of two Zanzibari refugees in England.
Particular attention is paid to the internal conflict of the
characters, which unfolds against the backdrop of their struggle
with the past, the search for their own identity and the desire for
a sense of belonging. The article explores in detail how Gurna
embodies these internal dramas and how they affect the
characters' relationships and their perceptions of their own
experiences. Through an analysis of the psychological landscape
of the main characters, Saleh Omar and Latif Mahmoud, the study
reveals how personal and collective histories are intertwined in
their lives.
2181-3701
/©
2024 in Science LLC.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47689/2181-3701-vol2-iss1
This is an open-access article under the Attribution 4.0 International
(CC BY 4.0) license (
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.ru
Keywords:
inner conflict,
displacement,
exile,
memory,
identity,
belonging,
postcolonial literature,
refugee experience,
psychological trauma,
cultural dislocation,
hybrid identity,
personal and collective
history
Abdulrazoq Gurnaning “Dengiz bo‘yida” asaridagi ichki
ziddiyat
ANNOTATSIYA
Kalit so‘zlar
:
ichki ziddiyat,
ko'chish,
surgun,
xotira,
o'ziga xoslik,
tegishlilik,
postkolonial adabiyot,
qochqinlar tajribasi,
psixologik travma, madaniy
dislokatsiya,
gibrid o'ziga xoslik,
Abdulrazzak Gurnahning "Dengiz bo'yida" romani Angliyadagi
ikki Zanzibarlik qochqinning bir-biriga bog'langan hikoyalari
orqali ko'chish, o'ziga xoslik va xotiraning murakkabligini
o'rganadi. Romanda markaziy o'rinni qahramonlarning o'tmishi,
o'ziga xosligi va daxldorlik tuyg'usiga qarshi kurashida namoyon
bo'ladigan ichki ziddiyat mavzusi tashkil etadi. Ushbu maqola
Gurnah ushbu ichki kurashlarni qanday ifodalashini va ular
qahramonlarning tajribalari va o'zaro munosabatlarini qanday
shakllantirishini o'rganadi. Romanni sinchiklab o‘qis
h orqali biz
bosh qahramonlar Solih Umar va Latif Mahmudning psixologik
1
Associate Professor, Uzbekistan State World Languages University. E-mail: u.n.karimov@gmail.com
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
–
1 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
818
shaxsiy va jamoaviy tarix.
manzaralarini, shaxsiy va jamoaviy tarixdagi navigatsiyasini
ko‘rib chiqamiz.
Внутренний конфликт в произведении Абдулразака
Гурны «У моря»
АННОТАЦИЯ
Ключевые слова:
внутренний конфликт,
перемещение,
изгнание,
память,
идентичность,
принадлежность,
постколониальная
литература,
опыт беженцев,
психологическая травма,
культурная дислокация,
гибридная идентичность,
личная и коллективная
история.
В данной статье осуществляется анализ романа
Абдулразака Гурны «У моря», который осмысливает темы
перемещения, идентичности и памяти через истории двух
занзибарских беженцев в Англии. Особое внимание
уделяется внутреннему конфликту персонажей, которое
развертывается на фоне их борьбы с прошлым, поиском
собственной идентичности и стремлением к чувству
принадлежности. Статья подробно исследует, как Гурна
воплощает эти внутренние драмы и как они влияют на
взаимоотношения
персонажей
и
их
восприятие
собственного
опыта. Через анализ психологического
ландшафта главных героев, Салеха Омара и Латифа
Махмуда, исследование раскрывает, как личная и
коллективная истории переплетаются в их жизни.
INTRODUCTION
Abdulrazak Gurnah’s novel “By the Sea” (2001)
intricately explores the themes of
displacement, identity, and memory through the lives of two Zanzibari refugees in England. As
a Nobel Laureate in Literature, Gurnah’s narratives often delve into the complex psychological
landscapes of characters affecte
d by colonialism and migration. In «By the Sea» the
protagonists, Saleh Omar and Latif Mahmud, emdiv the inner conflicts that arise from their
dislocation and the fractured identities they must navigate. This novel presents a rich tapestry
of personal and historical traumas that reveal the profound effects of exile on the human psyche.
Inner conflict, a central theme in Gurnah’s work, is depicted through the characters’
struggles with their past and present selves. These conflicts are deeply rooted in their
experiences of betrayal, loss, and the ongoing search for a sense of belonging. Saleh Omar, an
elderly asylum seeker, and Latif Mahmud, an academic who has made a life in England,
represent different facets of the refugee experience, each grappling with their own unique set
of internal dilemmas.
The inner turmoil experienced by these characters is not merely a byproduct of their
external circumstances but is intricately linked to their sense of identity and place. Gurnah’s
portrayal of these conflicts is nuanced, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll of
displacement. By examining the internal struggles of Saleh and Latif, this article aims to uncover
the broader implications of their experiences for understanding the nature of identity and
memory in postcolonial literature.
Through a close reading of «By the Sea» we will explore how Gurnah articulates the inner
conflicts of his characters and how these conflicts shape their interactions and sense of self.
Utilizing psychological and postcolonial theoretical frameworks, we aim to provide a
comprehensive analysis of how Gurnah’s characters navigate their complex inner worlds. This
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
–
1 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
819
exploration will shed light on the broader human experience of exile and the enduring impact
of personal and collective histories on individual identity.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
The analysis of inner conflict in Abdulrazak Gurnah’s «By the Sea» is enriched by drawing
on both psychological and postcolonial theories. Freud’s concept of the divided self, as
articulated in his seminal works on psychoanalysis, provides a foundational framework for
understanding the characters’ internal struggles. Freud posited that the human psyche is
composed of conflicting elements: the id, ego, and superego. This tripartite model helps
elucidate the tensions between Saleh Omar and Latif Mahmud as they navigate the competing
demands of their desires, moral considerations, and reality. For instance, Saleh’s reticence and
fragmented recollections can be seen as manifestations of his ego’s attempt to mediate between
the painful memories of the past (id) and his current social reality (superego), leading to an
internal conflict that is both profound and pervasive.
In addition to Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, Homi Bhabha’s postcolonial concept of
hybridity and the «third space» offers critical insights into the complexities of identity in a
postcolonial context. Bhabha’s theory suggests that the identities of postco
lonial subjects are
not fixed but are fluid and constantly negotiated within a space that transcends binary
oppositions such as colonizer and colonized. This «third space» is a realm of ambivalence and
contradiction, where new identities and cultural forms
emerge. For the characters in «By the
Sea» this theoretical lens helps unpack the layers of conflict as they grapple with their fractured
identities. Saleh and Latif inhabit this third space, where their identities are continually
reshaped by their past experiences in Zanzibar and their present lives in England.
Furthermore, postcolonial theory emphasizes the impact of historical and political
contexts on personal identities. The legacy of colonialism and the experience of migration create
a backdrop of dislocation and hybridity that influences the characters’ inn
er lives. This
framework allows for an exploration of how Saleh and Latif’s personal histories are intertwined
with broader socio-political dynamics, contributing to their sense of alienation and internal
strife.
By integrating these psychological and postcolonial perspectives, we can better
understand the multifaceted nature of inner conflict in «By the Sea» The divided self and the
concept of hybridity together highlight the psychological and cultural dimensions of the
characters’ struggles, offering a nuanced view of how they negotiate their identities amidst the
traumas of displacement and exile. These theoretical lenses not only help unpack the individual
experiences of Saleh and Latif but also shed light on the broader human condition of those living
in the aftermath of colonialism and migration.
CHARACTERS AND INNER CONFLICT
Saleh Omar, an elderly refugee seeking asylum in England, epitomizes the profound inner
conflict between past and present. His narrative is a poignant illustration of the psychological
turbulence experienced by individuals who are displaced and exiled. Sal
eh’s life in Zanzibar was
once marked by prosperity and social standing; he was a successful businessman with a secure
identity and a stable life. However, this seemingly idyllic past was shattered by a series of
traumatic events, including political upheaval, personal betrayals, and economic downfall,
which forced him into exile.
The haunting memories of these events persistently intrude upon Saleh’s present reality,
creating a constant oscillation between the past and the present. His inner conflict is rooted in
the struggle to reconcile his former identity with his current status as an impoverished and
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
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Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
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1 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
820
marginalized asylum seeker in England. The stark contrast between his past life and his present
circumstances exacerbates his sense of loss and dislocation. Saleh’s memories are fraught with
guilt and shame, particularly concerning the decisions and actions that led to his forced
departure from Zanzibar. These feelings are compounded by the cultural and social
displacement he experiences in his new environment.
Gurnah effectively uses Saleh’s silence and reticence as a narrative device to underscore
his internal turmoil. Saleh’s reluctance to speak and his guarded interactions with others signify
his inability, or perhaps unwillingness, to confront and articulate the painful memories of his
past. This silence is not merely a character trait but a manifestation of his inner conflict. It
symbolizes the depth of his psychological wounds and his ongoing struggle to come to terms
with his identity. The act of withholding his story until much later in the novel serves as a
metaphor for his journey toward self-acceptance and reconciliation with his past.
Saleh’s inner conflict is also portrayed through his interactions with his surroundings
and other characters. His alienation in England is palpable, as he navigates a foreign culture that
is indifferent, if not hostile, to his presence. This external alienation mirrors his internal state,
reinforcing the sense of being unmoored from his former life. The memories of his past life in
Zanzibar are both a refuge and a source of torment, highlighting the dual nature of memory as
both preserving identity and inflicting pain.
Furthermore, Saleh’s relationships, particularly with Latif Mahmud, another Zanzibari
refugee, reveal further dimensions of his inner conflict. Their shared history and mutual
recognition of each other’s traumas bring to the surface the unresolved emotions
and unspoken
grievances that Saleh harbors. Through these interactions, Gurnah delves into the complexity of
human emotions and the impact of historical and personal traumas on individual psyches.
Saleh Omar’s character is a compelling study of inner conflict, emdiving the tensions
between past and present, memory and reality, identity and displacement. Gurnah’s nuanced
portrayal of Saleh’s psychological landscape provides a profound insight into t
he experiences of
refugees and the enduring impact of exile on the human spirit. The intricate depiction of Saleh’s
internal struggles enriches our understanding of the broader themes of identity, memory, and
belonging in the postcolonial context.
Latif Mahmud, another central figure in Abdulrazak Gurnah’s «By the Sea» presents a
different but equally complex manifestation of inner conflict. As a fellow Zanzibari refugee,
Latif’s
experience of displacement is marked by a deep sense of alienation and unresolved
anger, particularly towards his family and his homeland. Unlike Saleh Omar, who remains
largely silent and introspective, Latif’s internal struggles are often articulated thr
ough his
volatile emotions and intellectual reflections. His journey from Zanzibar to England, where he
has achieved a measure of professional success as an academic, is shadowed by an enduring
dislocation and identity crisis.
Latif’s inner conflict is rooted in a profound sense of betrayal and loss. The political and
familial upheavals that forced him into exile left deep scars, manifesting as a lingering bitterness
and resentment. His relationship with his family, particularly his father, is fraught with
unresolved tensions and feelings of abandonment. This familial estrangement is compounded
by his broader disconnection from his cultural and geographical origins. Despite his
achievements in England, Latif is unable to fully embrace his new life, as the past continues to
haunt him, creating a constant tension between who he is and who he perceives he should have
been.
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
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Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
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1 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
821
Gurnah portrays Latif’s inner turmoil through a complex interplay of memory and
intellectualism. Latif’s memories of Zanzibar are imbued with a sense of nostalgia but are also
sources of pain and anger. These recollections are not mere remembrances but active, almost
living elements of his psyche that shape his present identity. His scholarly pursuits, often
centered around themes of identity, displacement, and history, can be seen as intellectual
attempts to make sense of his fragmented self. However, these academic explorations also
reveal the depth of his inner conflict, as they bring to light the contradictions and ambiguities in
his sense of self.
Latif’s emotional volatility is another key aspect of his character that highlights his
internal struggles. His interactions with Saleh Omar and others are marked by sharp, sometimes
harsh, responses that reflect his inner unrest. This volatility is a defense mechanism, a way of
coping with the unresolved emotions and the persistent sense of betrayal that define his past.
Through these interactions, Gurnah illustrates how Latif’s inner conflict affects his relationships
and his ability to connect with others on a deeper level.
The notion of hybridity, as discussed by postcolonial theorist Homi Bhabha, is
particularly relevant to understanding Latif’s inner conflict. Latif exists in a «third space» a
realm where his identity is continually negotiated and redefined. He is caught between his
Zanzibari roots and his life in England, never fully belonging to either. This hybridity is a source
of inner tension, as Latif grapples with his dual identity and the sense of being perpetually in-
between. Gurnah captures this aspect of Latif’s
conflict through his nuanced portrayal of Latif’s
intellectual and emotional landscape.
Latif’s struggle with identity is also reflected in his sense of belonging. Despite his long
residence in England, he never feels entirely at home. This lack of belonging is not just a physical
or social dislocation but a profound existential crisis. Latif
’s internal dialogue often reveals his
questioning of his place in the world, his purpose, and his identity. This existential angst
underscores the broader themes of displacement and exile that Gurnah explores in the novel.
Latif Mahmud’s character is a rich and multifaceted depiction of inner conflict. His
experiences of displacement, familial estrangement, and cultural hybridity create a complex
psychological landscape that Gurnah explores with depth and sensitivity. Latif’
s intellectual
pursuits and emotional volatility are expressions of his ongoing struggle to reconcile his past
with his present, his Zanzibari heritage with his life in England. Through Latif, Gurnah delves
into the enduring impacts of exile and the intricate dynamics of identity and belonging in the
postcolonial context. This portrayal not only enriches the narrative of «By the Sea» but also
provides a profound commentary on the human condition in the face of displacement and
historical trauma.
THEMES OF MEMORY AND IDENTITY
Memory plays a crucial and multifaceted role in the characters’ inner conflicts in
Abdulrazak Gurnah’s «By the Sea» For both Saleh Omar and Latif Mahmud, memories are
dynamic, fluid constructs shaped by their current realities and psychological states. These
memories are not simply recollections of past events but are actively interpreted and
reinterpreted in light of their present circumstances and emotional needs. Gurnah portrays
memory as both a source of profound pain and a vital means of reclaiming and reconstructing
identity. This duality is evident as the characters navigate their selective recollections, often
grappling with suppressed traumas that resurface in their interactions and introspections.
Saleh Omar’s memories of his life in Zanzibar are imbued with sorrow and nostalgia, yet
they are also laden with guilt and regret. These memories haunt him, reflecting the deep
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
–
1 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
822
wounds of betrayal and loss he suffered. His past as a successful businessman contrasts starkly
with his current impoverished state, and the memories of his previous life amplify his sense of
displacement and disorientation. The act of remembering for Saleh is fraught with conflict, as it
forces him to confront painful truths and reconcile with actions that led to his exile. This internal
struggle is depicted through Gurnah’s use of fragmented narrative and Saleh’s reticence, which
symbolize the difficulty of articulating and making peace with a painful past.
Similarly, Latif Mahmud’s memories of Zanzibar are complex and ambivalent. His
recollections are tinged with bitterness and anger, particularly towards his family and the
political turmoil that disrupted his life. For Latif, memory serves both as a reminder of his roots
and as a source of ongoing internal conflict. His intellectual reflections and scholarly pursuits
are attempts to understand and process these memories, yet they also reveal the deep
emotional scars that
he carries. The selective nature of Latif’s recollections highlights how
memory can be a means of both preserving and distorting identity. His memories are a
battleground where he negotiates his sense of self, torn between the past he left behind and his
present reality in England.
Identity, as portrayed in «By the Sea» is inherently contested and fragmented. The
experiences of Saleh and Latif reflect the profound difficulty of maintaining a coherent sense of
self amidst the dislocations of exile. For Saleh, identity is a painful reminder of what he has lost,
and his struggle to integrate his past and present selves is a central aspect of his inner conflict.
The transformation from a respected businessman in Zanzibar to an anonymous asylum seeker
in England is not just a change in circumstances but a profound disruption of his self-concept.
Gurnah’s nuanced exploration of Saleh’s identity reveals the inherent contradictions and
tensions in his life, underscoring the emotional toll of displacement.
Latif’s identity is equally complex and fractured. Despite his professional success in
England, he remains deeply affected by his past and his sense of belonging to a homeland that
no longer exists in the form he remembers. His identity is in constant flux, shaped by his
memories and his ongoing efforts to reconcile his Zanzibari heritage with his current life. This
hybridity, or existence in a «third space» as described by Homi Bhabha, highlights the fluid and
often contradictory nature of postcolonial ide
ntities. Latif’s inner conflicts emphasize the
struggle to integrate his past experiences with his present identity, illustrating the broader
challenges faced by individuals in the diaspora.
Gurnah’s exploration of memory and identity in «By the Sea» offers a profound
commentary on the human condition in the face of exile and displacement. The novel reveals
how memories, while a crucial part of one’s identity, can also be sources of deep inner
conflict.
The characters’ efforts to navigate their fragmented identities reflect the broader postcolonial
experience, where history, memory, and identity are constantly in dialogue, often in tension.
Through Saleh and Latif, Gurnah provides a poignant and insightful depiction of the ongoing
struggle for self-understanding and belonging in a world marked by dislocation and change.
CONCLUSION
Abdulrazak Gurnah’s «By the Sea» offers a rich and intricate exploration of inner conflict,
providing a profound understanding of how displacement and exile shape the psychological
landscapes of individuals. Through the intertwined narratives of Saleh Omar and Latif Mahmud,
Gurnah delves deeply into the complexities of memory, identity, and belonging. These
characters, each with their unique histories and experiences, emdiv the multifaceted nature
of inner turmoil that arises from the disjunction between past and present, home and exile.
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
–
1 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
823
Saleh Omar’s story, marked by his silent suffering and fragmented recollections,
illustrates the profound impact of memory on identity. His reticence and the eventual unveiling
of his past highlight the struggle to reconcile a once stable and prosperous identity with the
current reality of displacement and loss. Saleh’s journey toward articulating his painful
memories underscores the enduring impact of past traumas on present self-conception and the
challenging process of seeking reconciliation with one’s h
istory.
Latif Mahmud’s narrative adds another layer to this exploration, presenting a character
whose intellectual and emotional life is deeply affected by his unresolved past. His volatile
emotions and scholarly endeavors reflect his ongoing battle to integrate his Zanzibari heritage
with his life in England. Latif’s experience emphasizes the fluidity of memory and identity,
showing how these elements are continuously reshaped by current realities and past
experiences. His inner conflict, characterized by a sense of betrayal and existential dislocation,
underscores the broader theme of the postcolonial identity crisis.
Gurnah’s portrayal of inner conflict in «By the Sea» not only illuminates the personal
dimensions of displacement but also resonates with broader discussions on the postcolonial
condition and the human experience of migration. The novel highlights the psychological toll of
exile, where individuals must navigate the complex interplay of memory, identity, and
belonging. The characters’ struggles reflect the broader societal and historical forces that shape
the lives of displaced individuals, offering insights into the emotional and psychological
challenges faced by refugees and migrants globally.
Through the lens of Saleh and Latif’s experiences, Gurnah sheds light on the enduring
effects of colonialism, political upheaval, and cultural dislocation. His nuanced depiction of their
inner conflicts provides a compelling narrative that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit
amidst adversity. The novel’s exploration of memory and identity, rooted in the specific context
of Zanzibari history and the broader diasporic experience, contributes to a richer understanding
of the complexities of postcolonial identity formation.
Abdulrazak Gurnah’s «By the Sea» is a testament to the intricate and enduring nature of
inner conflict in the lives of displaced individuals. The novel’s detailed character studies and its
thematic focus on memory, identity, and belonging offer valuable insights into the psychological
impact of exile. Gurnah’s work transcends the personal stories of Saleh and Latif, providing a
poignant commentary on the universal human condition of seeking self-understanding and
reconciliation in a world marked by displacement and change. Through his evocative prose and
deep psychological insight, Gurnah contributes significantly to the literature on postcolonialism
and migration, enriching our understanding of the human experience in the context of global
movements and historical transformations.
REFERENCES:
1.
Bhabha, Homi K. «The Location of Culture». Routledge, 1994.
2.
Freud, Sigmund. «The Ego and the Id.» W.W. Norton &
Company, 1962.
3.
Gurnah, Abdulrazak. «By the Sea». Bloomsbury Publishing, 2001.
4.
Said, Edward W. «Reflections on Exile and Other Essays». Harvard University Press, 2002.
