Rootless Identity in Shafak’s The Island of Missing Trees: A Postcolonial Perspective

Abstract

This study explores the theme of rootless identity in Elif Shafak’s novel, The Island of Missing Trees from a postcolonial perspective. It examines how the characters in the novel struggle with their identities in the aftermath of colonization and globalization, specifically focusing on their disconnection from their cultural, geographical, and historical backgrounds. Drawing on postcolonial theory, the analysis investigates the impact of losing roots on the characters' sense of belonging, self-identification, and cultural heritage. This study investigates the complexities of navigating multiple identities and the challenges faced by individuals caught between ancestral traditions and the influences of the modern world. Through a detailed examination of the novel, it explores how rootless identity is shaped by historical narratives, power dynamics, and the lingering effects of colonialism. The present study also explores the characters’ journeys of self-discovery, their attempts to reclaim their roots, and the conflicts that arise when traditional cultural practices clash with contemporary values. Additionally, it highlights the broader implications of rootlessness in the context of postcolonial theory, discussing the impact of globalization on cultural homogenization, the erosion of indigenous knowledge systems, and the blending of identities.