The Interdependence of Gender, Sexuality, Ethnic and Class Binaries in Shyam Selvadurai`s Funny Boy and Cinnamon Gardens

Abstract

Shyam Selvadurai`s novels have contributed significantly to Sri Lankan English literature. The author highlights sensitive areas such as gender, economic classes and racial issues as well as subjects considered as taboo in Sri Lanka, such as sexuality. The author`s portrayal of characters and issues in Funny Boy (1994) and Cinnamon Gardens (1998) are therefore essential in the analysis of his subject matter. Set against the ethnic riots of 1983 and the pre-independent Ceylon respectively, the texts highlight gender, sexual, racial and class issues of the times. Existing research presents gender and sexuality of Funny Boy and Cinnamon Gardens in the light of power structures and networks of power. Moreover, critics argue that these power structures are constructed as binary oppositions. However, these binaries highlight the power structures in antagonistic perspectives. Nevertheless, reading closely, the two texts exemplify the interdependencies of these binaries in their exercise of power. Therefore, this study focuses on the interdependence of the binary power structures according to the portrayal of gender, sexuality, ethnicity and class of the two texts and the two eras in concern. A variety of literary theories have been used to expose the binaries and to show how certain aspects of these theories will be challenged as the binaries are viewed in the light of diversity and interdependence.