TORN BETWEEN TWO WORLDS: CULTURAL CLASH IN THE NOVELS OF BAPSI SIDHWA

This paper examines the representation of cultural clashes in Bapsi Sidhwa’s novels and their impact on identity formation, particularly in postcolonial contexts. Through an analysis of The Crow Eaters, Cracking India, and An American Brat, the study explores how Sidhwa portrays the conflicts between tradition and modernity, colonialism and postcolonialism, and Eastern and Western values. The focus is primarily on female characters, who often embody the tensions caused by cultural displacement, religious conflict, and migration. Sidhwa’s work provides a nuanced understanding of how gender and culture intersect, shaping the experiences of women as they navigate competing expectations. The paper argues that Sidhwa’s novels offer valuable insights into the challenges of identity formation in a rapidly changing world, particularly for marginalized communities like the Parsis. The study also highlights the implications of her work for postcolonial studies, emphasizing the importance of gender in understanding cultural conflict. Finally, the paper identifies areas for further research, such as the representation of minority communities and the diaspora experience, suggesting that these aspects of Sidhwa’s work deserve more scholarly attention to deepen our understanding of postcolonial identity and cultural adaptation.