Resilience in the Face of Despair: Identity and Survival in Shuggie Bain

Author(s): Dr. Kishor Kumar Deka

Abstract:

Douglas Stuart’s Shuggie Bain (2020) is a poignant exploration of the impact of socio-economic hardship, familial dysfunction, and addiction on the formation of identity and survival. This paper examines how resilience manifests in the novel through the experiences of the protagonist, Shuggie, and his mother, Agnes Bain. Through a close reading of the text, this study investigates the intersections between personal identity, familial relationships, and social conditions, arguing that resilience is not only a matter of individual endurance but also of navigating and surviving oppressive external forces. The novel’s portrayal of survival, despite immense despair, offers insight into the resilience of marginalized individuals and the transformative potential of human relationships.

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Pages: 67-69     |    2 View     |    0 Download