Navigating ambivalence and exile: a multidimensional analysis of migration in Amitav Ghosh’s The Shadow Lines

Abstract

The intricate interplay of Ambivalence and Exile are central themes in Amitav Ghosh’s novel The Shadow Lines. Through a multidimensional analysis, it explores the multifaceted nature of migration in the narrative. This research aims to shed light on how characters navigate the complexities of ambivalence, both at the personal and societal levels, while experiencing various forms of exile. At the same time, how economic realities drive migration decisions among the complexities of ambivalence and exile. Then, religion was used to create two nations while providing advantages to political leaders. Explore the characters and memories of places intertwined due to their migratory experiences and examine the effect of ambivalence in shaping their memories. Therefore, the emotional memory, cultural displacement, and geopolitical dimension of migration seek an understanding of the character’s journey and the broader implications of migration in the post-colonial context. This paper critically analyzes the data to show how migration from a split nation affects people's lives negatively, leading to conflict and identity loss.