The notion of hybridity in V.S. Naipaul’s novels: a reading of The Mystic Masseur, A House for Mr. Biswas & The Mimic Men

Abstract

V.S. Naipaul’s writings encompass themes that deal with little things in narrow and small settings and perspectives to issues which are much more significant and hold greater gravity. His best works and portrayals depict Trinidadian society. Novels which are set in Trinidad are often self-reflexive for Naipaul and profoundly insightful. Being known as the mouthpiece of ex-colonized people, he magnificently writes about the present problems of post-colonial societies. Themes such as rootlessness, hybridity, mimicry and cultural dislocation are prevalent in his works. This thesis work intends to explore Naipaul’s use of these notions in three of his novels: The Mystic Masseur (1957), A House for Mr. Biswas (1961) and The Mimic Men (1967).