The paper titled "Decoding the Notion of Nationalism: A Critical Study of Michael Ondaatje’s The English Patient" by Mohsin Hassan Khan and Qudsia Zaini focuses on exploring the concept of nationalism as depicted in Michael Ondaatje's novel The English Patient. The study primarily investigates how nationalism is portrayed and critiqued within the narrative, particularly examining whether nationalism is presented as a positive or negative force.
The purpose of the study is to analyze the deconstruction of nationalism in Ondaatje's work, demonstrating how the novel challenges traditional notions of nationhood by presenting them as volatile and destructive. The authors aim to reveal Ondaatje's critique of narrow nationalism and his advocacy for transcending national boundaries to achieve a more harmonious and peaceful existence.
The methodology employed in the study includes a detailed analysis of the novel's themes, characters, and symbols, particularly focusing on the protagonist's role as a cartographer, the transnational community in the villa, and the novel's ending. The analysis draws from various theories on nationalism and literature to contextualize Ondaatje's treatment of the subject.
Key findings of the research indicate that The English Patient portrays nationalism as a divisive and harmful force, closely associated with war, trauma, and destruction. Ondaatje criticizes the narrow nationalism that leads to conflict and suffering, instead advocating for a form of transnationalism that respects different nationalities and promotes unity. The novel's characters, who come from various national backgrounds, embody this transnational ideal through their relationships and experiences in the war-torn villa.
The study concludes that Ondaatje’s The English Patient offers a profound critique of nationalism by depicting its negative consequences and advocating for its transcendence. The novel suggests that true peace and harmony can only be achieved by moving beyond rigid national identities and embracing a more inclusive, transnational perspective. This transcendence of nationalism, according to the study, is essential for fostering a world that prioritizes respect for all nationalities and the elimination of divisive borders.