Postcolonial Cultural Chaos and Loss of Identity in V.S. Naipaul’s The Mystic Masseur and The Suffrage of Elvira

Abstract

This paper examines postcolonial cultural chaos and loss of identity in V.S. Naipaul‟s first two published novels The Mystic Masseur (1957) and The Suffrage of Elvira (1958). These works are replete with the theme of loss of identity amidst cultural confusion as the main characters yearn to find a place or profession for themselves in their society to assert their identities. Their minds waver between two clashing cultures prevalent at that time as they lose their sense of authentic selfhood in the postcolonial cultural chaos and social disorder. Moreover, their uncouth attempts to search for their identity ironically aggravate their disorientation and alienation