Claustrophobia in Monica Ali’s Brick Lane: Negotiating the Past with the Present

This article reworks the notion of “claustrophobia,” symbolically in relevance to expatriate fiction writing. Claustrophobia is an individual’s fear being confined enclosed space. Qualitative nature, this paper critically investigates Monica Ali’s Brick Lane (2003) that delineates a constant immigrant characters alienated from their host country. Globalisation owes much provide rationale for current study. Within larger context Diaspora, Sarup’s migration, with both negative and positive implications, used as theoretical framework study juncture desire home examine how exile causes irrational entrapping immigrants wake socio-cultural economic differences. The present refers it state “being ambivalent” concludes (forced or by choice) though deadening, regenerates life those who exercise energies combat existing situations. For others, proves fatal. significantly provides insight into South Asian culture norms comparison British through work challenges allegation against women’s writings limited experience, non-scientific “womanly.