Borderless Worlds: Cosmopolitanism and Hybrid/Transnational Identity in Aamer Hussein's The Cloud Messenger

Abstract

The article's objective is to elucidate the concept of hybrid/transnational identity within a cosmopolitan backdrop, depicted in Aamer Hussein's novel, The Cloud Messenger. The study underscores the pivotal role of literature and art in shaping individuals' lives and minds. It scrutinizes the characters' endeavors to navigate cultural boundaries, engage with diverse perspectives, and construct their own sense of belonging. This research explores the intricacies of these individuals' struggles, negotiations, and transformations as they grapple with their memories and aspirations. By drawing upon Appiah’s theory of ‘rooted cosmopolitanism’ in the realm of Pakistani English literature, this qualitative and descriptive study offers a nuanced examination of the rootedness of first and second-generation diaspora streams within their native culture. It promotes ‘respect’ and ‘acceptance’ among ‘citizens of the world’. The study highlights the importance of literature and art in transforming individual’s life and mind. It illuminates the characters' encounters with poetry, love, and work, all of which significantly shape their adult lives. Despite their extensive travels to various countries, they grapple with a persistent sense of displacement and the quest for a genuine sense of belonging.