"Exploring Identity and Duality in Percival Everett's James."

Abstract

This paper explores Percival Everett's James through themes of identity, duality, and self-perception. Focusing on James, a character torn between his racial and cultural heritage and personal aspirations, it analyses how Everett addresses the tension between societal expectations and individual autonomy. Using unreliable narration and shifting perspectives, the novel emphasizes the fluidity of identity and the challenge of self-coherence in a world shaped by stereotypes. The study also examines the novel's fragmented structure, reflecting the complexities of James’s identity, while contributing to discussions on race, memory, and the human experience in contemporary literature.