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Abstract

This paper examines cultural conflicts and generational contradictions as depicted in the novel The Last Word by Hanif Kureishi with reference to the relationship that existed between Mamoon Azam, who was an ageing post colonial intellectual and Harry Johnson who was a young upcoming biographer. The aim of the research has been to examine in what way this intergenerational relationship is used by Kureishi to challenge postcolonial identity, celebrity culture and literary celebrity and representation of culture in modern times in Britain. The paper has used a postcolonial and generational conflict theoretical framework proposed by Homi K. Bhabha, and Erik Erikson to explain the behavior and intentions of two characters. A qualitative textual approach is adopted which analyzes the text closely through some of the most crucial passages, the conversational speech of the characters and the form of narrative to bring forth some hidden themes and ideological stands. This examination shows that Mamoon and Harry represent rival concepts of cultural authenticity, literary authority as well as individual legacy. The findings revealed contextual generational conflict beyond the realm of a personal conflict to deeper forces under the issues of immigration, multiculturalism and commodification of intellectual identity in the British literary landscape. In conclusion, issues of reliability of memory, ethics of biography, power jeopardy between generations and cultures are at most posed in the novel.