CHALLENGING THE METANARRATIVES IN OUR LADY OF ALICE BHATTI: A POSTMODERNIST STUDY

Abstract

This study focuses on the postmodern narrative of Our Lady of Alice Bhatti through a meticulous textual analysis, employing the theoretical framework of Lyotard’s negation of metanarratives. The research is qualitative that illuminates how language in postmodern fiction takes on characteristics that are self-reflexive, ironic, localized, and intertextual. Through an exploration of language, the novel effectively challenges the overarching narratives of identity, professionalism, science and faith. The novel touches upon the subversion of these metanarratives through characters who defy societal norms and expectations. It also highlights the consequences of adhering to the grand narrative of nationalism and subverts the traditional scientific norms.  The characters within the novel challenge fixed identities and societal norms, reflecting the fluidity of human nature. This research establishes that the novel continually draws parallels between metanarratives and mininarratives. It is observed that the characters within the narrative employ paralogical maneuvers to question the existing language games, thereby paving the way for the emergence of new and pluralistic narratives.  The study is going to prove a feasible addition to the already existing literature in the field of postmodernism.