Narrative and Identity: Understanding the Interplay of Fiction and Culture in Literary Studies

Abstract

Narrative and identity are intricately intertwined, with literature providing a vital space for the exploration of how individual and collective identities are formed, contested, and represented. This review examines the role of narrative in shaping identity through the lens of literary studies, emphasizing the dynamic relationship between fiction and culture. By exploring theoretical frameworks such as postcolonial theory, gender studies, and psychoanalysis, this article highlights how narratives are not merely stories but are powerful vehicles for negotiating the complexities of identity. We will also explore how narratives, both within and beyond the literary canon, offer crucial insights into the role of cultural production in identity formation. Ultimately, the interplay of narrative and identity in literary studies invites critical inquiry into how literature shapes, reflects, and challenges cultural identities across time and space.