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Title Analyzing the Confluence of Psychogeography and Postcolonial Identity in Selected Contemporary Pakistani Fiction

Author(s) Mushaffa Rasheed

Abstract The purpose of conducting this research is to analyze the influence of colonial past on contemporary Pakistani society and to explore the psychological effects of urban environments, particularly those shaped by colonial legacies, on the identities of individuals living in postcolonial Pakistani cities. Researcher has selected three novels Karachi You’re Killing Me, Moth Smoke and The Spinner's Tale from three renowned writers of Pakistani English literature namely, Saba Imtiaz, Mohsin Hamid and Omer Shahid Hamid respectively to analyze the psychological effects of urban environments on the human emotions and behaviours through the lens of psycho-geography and how the colonial past continues to shape the postcolonial urban environment of Pakistan using the theory of post-colonialism. The study undergoes through the theoretical framework of Michel de Certeau's theory of psycho-geography and Stuart Hall's theory of post-colonialism. Combination of the two theories make the analysis more clear to understand how the remnants of colonial legacies in contemporary Pakistani society are affecting its political structure, economic strategies and their effects on everyday life of its residents. The study is confined to two major metropolises of Pakistan, Karachi and Lahore due to their cultural and ethnic diversities, modern practices and political importance. Political and social disruption, economic crisis and its impact in the shape of social hierarchies and personal alienation, chaos and uncertainty is reflected in the selected novels. Authors have portrayed everyday struggles of the characters and their experiences which shape their identities and influence their life decisions which unfortunately lead to destruction. Mohsin Hamid in Moth Smoke represents Pakistan from late 90s, social inequalities and economic disparities lead the protagonist to decline and he ends up in prison. Omer Shahid Hamid in his novel The Spinner's Tale has represented Pakistan in the early 2000s. A brilliant student ends up as a terrorist due to the economic crisis. Social and political influence also plays a crucial role in shaping his perceptions and identity. Saba Imtiaz presents Pakistan after 2010, the uncertainty, chaos and criminality remains the same but the writer provides some hopeful ending by portraying a strong resilient attitude of the protagonist Ayesha.

Type Thesis/Dissertation

Faculty Languages

Department English

Language English

Publication Date 2025-07-07

Subject English Literature

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