Creating home on a hostile land in Imbolo Mbues' Behold the Dreamers
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Date
2024
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UNIVERSITÉ ABBAS LAGHROUR KHENECHELA
Abstract
Abstract
This thesis provides an in-depth analysis of Imbolo Mbue's novel "Behold the Dreamers," exploring its portrayal of home, identity, immigration, and the American Dream. Through the narrative of Jende and Neni Jonga, immigrants from Cameroon who move to New York City, the novel examines the multifaceted challenges and experiences faced by immigrants in their pursuit of a better life. Employing New Historicism, this study contextualizes the novel within its socio-political and economic backdrop, offering a comprehensive understanding of its themes.
The analysis highlights how Mbue encapsulates the struggle of maintaining one's cultural roots while adapting to a new environment, the systemic barriers faced by immigrants, and the duality of the American Dream as both an inspiring ideal and a harsh reality. By critically examining the Jongas' journey, this thesis sheds light on the broader societal implications of immigration and the pursuit of the American Dream, presenting a nuanced critique of the socio-economic structures that shape the immigrant experience. This work contributes to the field of English Literature by providing a detailed examination of contemporary immigrant narratives and their relevance in today's globalized world.