The re-orientalising strategy of the unreliable narrator

Abstract

This chapter demonstrates the development of a novel re-Orientalising strategy in 21st century Indian writing in English (IWE). Through detailed formal textual interpretation of the works of Jeet Thayil (Narcopolis), Akhil Sharma (The Obedient Father), Aravind Adiga (The White Tiger), and Mohsin Hamid (How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia), the employment of the unreliable narrator is deconstructed and unpacked to ascertain its role, effect, and impact. The case studies contain a range of unreliable narrators, from the deceitful to the unbalanced, from the alternative to the untrustworthy. It is argued that by employing unreliable narrators, IWE can subvert the problems of re-Orientalism to some degree, requiring of readers more contextual knowledge, more critical judgement, and more sceptical scrutiny, thus altering the reception and the literary marketplace.