Identity Construction and Social Structures in Sia Figiel’s Novel Where We Once Belonged

Abstract

This article explores identity construction within the Sāmoan community as represented in Sia Figiel’s novel Where We Once Belonged. I argue that however the postcolonial Sāmoan identity is hybridized, the essence of the individual is still connected to Fa’a Sāmoa - the Sāmoan traditions and ways. However rapid are the colonial vicissitudes, the Sāmoan literature is developed to be a resistance platform not only to expose the colonial impact but also to assist the social and political reconstruction of post-colonial Samoa. To this end, this article studies identity construction and the challenges that women face underrepresented by colonial discourse in Sia figiel’s novel.