UNRAVELING COLONIAL MENTALITY AND RESISTING OTHERNESS: A POSTCOLONIAL READING OF HANIF’S A CASE OF EXPLODING MANGOES

Abstract

This research offers the exploration of postcolonial identity and resistance within Muhammad Hanif's captivating novel, A Case of Exploding Mangoes. Through the lens of postcolonial theory, particularly focusing on Edward Said’s Orientalism and Frantz Fanon’s The Wretched of the Earth, the study delves into the nuanced portrayal of characters tackling with the pervasive influence of colonial ideologies in postcolonial Pakistan. From the authoritarian regime of General Zia-ul-Haq to the personal struggles of individuals navigating cultural and political landscapes, Hanif's narrative serves as a powerful reflection of the complexities of postcolonial existence. By unraveling the layers of colonial mentality and illuminating strategies of resistance against ‘otherness’, this research invites readers on a thought-provoking journey into the heart of postcolonial literature. This study also underscores the enduring relevance of Hanif's work in confronting the legacies of colonialism and envisioning pathways towards collective empowerment and liberation.