O processo identitário entre silenciamentos na obra de Abdulrazak Gurnah

Abstract

The present work aims to analyse the process of identity of the (im)migrant in the novel Gravel Heart (2017), by Abdulrazak Gurnah. Identity in postmodernity is comprised of a constant movement of overlapping fragments, creating the illusion of a unity that, in the image of the immigrant, becomes largely volatile due to its marginal position in contemporary imperialist society. Being at the mercy of social moods, the immigrant is placed in reference to their use, their work, the advantages they can offer to the community. In Gravel Heart, the identification process of Salim is displaced by his relationships. The expectations imposed on him aim to identify him according to the spaces he inhabits, and the way that Salim finds to block himself against these attacks is by silencing himself.