Rootlessness and Search for Self-identity in Edwidge Danticat’s Breath, Eyes, Memory

Abstract

The theme of rootlessness and the search for self-identity has occupied the imagination of many writers in the course of literary history, either because they are forced to leave their native country for political reasons and persecution or because they feel estrangement with their societies and choose to live elsewhere. Likewise, the emigration culture has mushroomed in the Caribbean territories and the Caribbean peoples have opted for the United States, United Kingdom, or Canada. Some of the Caribbean immigrants, who have settled in the US, have become eminent and illustrious with their memorable contributions to the American society through arts, politics, education, sports and other professions. Journey remarks that in Caribbean Literature, migration, displacement, and rootlessness are constant themes. He further adds,