Hanif Kureishi's "The Buddha of Suburbia"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that "The Buddha of Suburbia" by Hanif Kureishi presents the struggles of a Indian teenager, Karim, which are crucial aspects of post-colonial identity within the suburbs of England. The author points out that the "Englishness" of Karim and his family members are thwarted when his father decides to return to his Buddhist faith, raising questions of Indian identity within the family unit. The paper relates that the post-colonial elements of this novel are revealed through Karim and his father's desire to be Indian against the dominating colonizing principles of English society. The paper includes quotations.

From the Paper:

"The early post-colonial elements of "The Buddha of Suburbia" revolve around the main character, Karim, and Indian teenager living in middle class British suburbs. Karim's father, Haroon, had essentially become "British" in every aspect of his life but suddenly has an epiphany to become a devote Buddhist. This causes a great conflict to those native English people in their lives, which is caused by the "native" return to religious principles that Karim's father wishes to explore. Karim's narrative defines the inherent racism of the English people... "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Kureishi, Hanif. The Buddha of Suburbia. London: Penguin, 1991.

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• Analytical Essay # 85843 : "The Buddha of Suburbia"
• Analytical Essay # 131032 : "Indian Identity and 'The Buddha of Suburbia'"
• Comparison Essay # 145603 : "The Lonely Londoners" and "The Buddha of Suburbia"

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