The Double Consciousness of the Diaspora: Memory and Assimilation in Andrea Levy’s Novels

Double-consciousness, as introduced by W.E.B. Du Bois in his book, The Souls of Black Folk (1903), is a concept in social philosophy which refers to a sense of ‘twoness’ apparently experienced by the blacks in America because of their racialized oppression in white-dominated society. Double- consciousness involves the conscious splitting of the inner self in an attempt to create a character that conforms to the standards of mainstream society. W.E.B. Du Bois explains it, stating that “this double consciousness, this sense of always looking at oneself through the eyes of another.” The present paper sets out to explore the manifestation of this concept in the works of Andrea Levy, focusing on the experiences of diasporic individuals. Analysing Levy’s works, this study examines the significance of memory and home in defining identity amidst cultural displacement. By focusing on the fragmented identities of her characters, Levy exposes the enduring effects of colonial histories and systemic inequalities on their lives. Diaspora literature often highlights this conflict between cultural roots and modern realities, a duality that forms the core aspect of Levy’s storytelling. The objective of this research is to investigate how Levy’s characters contend with their fractured identities while navigating the tension between historical influences and the challenges of assimilation. By highlighting how personal and collective histories intersect, this study contributes significantly to understanding of identity formation within diaspora studies. Through a qualitative methodology, the study undertakes an in-depth textual analysis of Levy’s novels, situating them within an expansive scope of postcolonial and diaspora studies. The concept of double consciousness serves as a critical framework to analyse the internal struggle of Levy’s characters as they negotiate their identities within a foreign society.