TRACING IDENTITY THROUGH DISPLACEMENT: CULTURAL HYBRIDITY AND TRAUMA IN WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS BY RAYYAN AL-SHAWAF

Abstract

Abstract : The article explores how Rayyan Al-Shawaf’s novel When All Else Fails delves into identity formation amid the trauma of war and displacement, focusing on the protagonist Hunayn. Set against the backdrop of the Middle Eastern conflicts and the aftermath of 9/11, the narrative examines Hunayn’s identity crisis as he navigates cultural, religious, and national boundaries. Al-Shawaf portrays the protagonist as a nomadic figure whose sense of self is fluid and fragmented, shaped by external perceptions and internal struggles. The article contextualizes Hunayn’s journey within theories of trauma, diaspora, and cultural hybridity, underscoring how war and migration create a complex, ever-evolving identity. This analysis offers insights into Arab immigrant literature, emphasizing the themes of resilience, adaptability, and the perpetual quest for belonging. Keywords: Identity Formation, War and Trauma, Displacement, Cultural Hybridity, Resilience