Cultural Clashes: A Comparative Study of Zadie Smith’s Whiteteeth and on Beauty
Mohammad Iqbal Lone
Research Scholar of English
The paper provides a comparative analysis of the themes of cultural clashes and identity in Zadie Smith's novels White Teeth and On Beauty. Both works explore the complexities of navigating multicultural societies and the challenges faced by individuals caught between different cultural spheres. The paper examines how Smith uses her diverse cast of characters to illustrate the dilemmas of second-generation immigrants, who must reconcile the expectations of their parentâs traditional values with the pressures of assimilating into the mainstream culture. It analyzes the ways in which the characters' struggles with identity, belonging, and the fear of cultural dissolution are central to the narratives. Through a close reading of the novels, the paper highlights Smith's skillful use of satire, humor, and hysterical realism to capture the nuances of these cross-cultural conflicts. It also considers how the author's own experiences as a person of mixed heritage inform her insightful depictions of the immigrant experience in contemporary Britain. By drawing parallels and contrasts between White Teeth and On Beauty, the paper offers a comprehensive understanding of Zadie Smith's exploration of multiculturalism, the complexities of identity, and the universal human need to find one's place in an increasingly diverse world. The analysis sheds light on the enduring relevance of these themes in the 21st century and Smith's contribution to the literary discourse on cultural hybridity.
Keywords: Cultural Clashes, Immigrants, Satire, Contrasts, Hybridity
