Diaspora in V. S. Naipaul’s The Enigma of Arrival

Abstract

One of the most successful writers, who rose to grasp the reins of the concept of diaspora, is V. S. Naipaul, giving it a new and different shape. He is known for his great ability in investigating various types of diasporas successfully.

This research aims at studying diaspora in general, its findings, causes, victims, and outcomes. Then, it moves to analyze diaspora in Naipaul' real life. It, finally, analyzes diaspora in Naipaul's The Enigma of Arrival.

First, the research strives to make a general perusal of the concept of diaspora. It gives a definition of the concept and its etymology. Next, it investigates the most important features of diaspora in the light of various scholars' theories and viewpoints. Then, it moves to cover different types of diaspora, respectively the Jewish, victim, labor and imperial, inventing, trade, and cultural diasporas.

Then, the most significant Naipaulian fingerprints in molding diaspora are investigated. It also reveals the reason behind choosing Naipaul as the case of study. It, moreover, analyzes the traumas of identity loss Naipaul has undergone, due to his successive diasporas. It, additionally, studies Naipaul's struggle in dealing with oblivion and his seeking resort in diaspora for the sake of innovation.

In the light of diaspora, this study moves to analyze one of the most significant works of Naipaul, The Enigma of Arrival.

Finally, the research adopts the task of summing up the study and the main findings, and giving recommendations and suggestions for further study.