An Exploration of War, Identity, and Belongingness in The English Patient

Literature portrays cultural, socio-economic, and political changes. Writers portray the influence of society on literary works. In the era of globalization, literature plays a significant role in the shaping of the culture and sustenance of harmony. Michael Ondaatje’s novel, The English Patient portrays the culture, nationality, identity, war, and exploration of the self. The novel reflects the characters’ attempt to liberate themselves from the melancholy past. It is against the Eurocentric view of postcolonialism which is predominantly ethnocentric. The novel concentrates on cultural identity and the efforts of the characters to recuperate and retain cultural identity during the ordeal of World War II.