SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF IDENTITY IN LOUIS DE BERNIÈRES’ NOVEL BIRDS WITHOUT WINGS

The aim of the present study is to discuss the concept of identity formation in relation
to Louis de Bernières’ novel Birds Without Wings. Primarily, this study presents the
development of identity theories which investigate the social construction of identity
with its impact on self, society and social structures. The postmodern novel Birds
Without Wings depicts the stringent issue of identity construction in a period of global
crises, when any identity markers are easily removed, changed and, therefore,
destabilized as a result of the play of power. The characters of de Bernières’ novel
confront the agonizing truth of the fluid and changeable markers of identity revealing
that any “certitudes” are easily deconstructed and re-constructed anew as a result of
identity politics which deprives one of a stable sense of selfhood.