In depth exploration of Kazuo Ishiguro's novel "Our Orphans", analyzing the identity pursuit and lack of sense of identity of the immigrant protagonist Christopher Banks in the novel. The novel showcases the close connection between space, memory, and self deception through Banksy's story, as well as Kazuo Ishiguro's unique perspective as an immigrant writer. The article also points out the impact of spatial mobility and multiplicity on the protagonist's memory and identity, as well as the wandering, rootless, and marginal survival status of the "orphan" group in the postcolonial context.

Identity crisis of spatial displacement

In depth exploration of the importance of space in literary works, especially for immigrant writers, space is not only a transfer of physical location, but also a transformation of social and cultural identity. By analyzing Kazuo Ishiguro's novel "Our Orphans", the chapter reveals the identity crisis of the protagonist Banksy in different spaces. Banksy, as a person with dual cultural identities, has been unable to obtain an accurate identity positioning due to his life experiences in China and the UK, and has always been in a state of cultural "rootlessness". The novel portrays the sense of detachment and spatial belongingness of immigrants in a new environment through Banksy's story.

Memory reconstruction in spatial construction

In his novels, Kazuo Ishiguro constructs a close connection between space and memory through narrative spatial displacement and character spatial migration. Banksy, as a peripheral figure, experiences a sense of spatial fragmentation and floating in the changes of social space, leading to the dissolution and doubt of his individual identity and existence. Memory plays a central role in the works of Kazuo Ishiguro, whose novels typically narrate a person's process of compromising with the past in the first person, revealing the reconstructive and unreliable nature of memory. Banksy's reminiscence of the past years, especially his exploration of the mystery of his parents' disappearance, in 'Our Orphans' reflects the importance of memory in personal identity construction. The Shanghai Concession in the novel is both Banksy's childhood "Eden" and the source of his emotional trauma. Banksy's selective retrieval and encoding of memory weaken the reliability of memory narrative, thereby affecting the stability of personal identity. Kazuo Ishiguro demonstrated the intrinsic connection between spatial narrative and memory reconstruction, as well as the role of memory in alleviating identity anxiety, through Banksy's narrative in different spaces. The novel ultimately reveals the difference between the "real world" maintained by Banksy and the factual truth, emphasizing the blending of memory, imagination, and fantasy in human consciousness.

Spatial Metaphor and Identity Misalignment

Deeply explored the symbolic meaning of space in literature and its close connection with character identity recognition. By analyzing the protagonist Banksy's migration and experiences in different spaces in 'Our Orphans', the role of spatial metaphor in identity construction is revealed. Banksy's admiration for London and his meticulous arrangement of his residence symbolize his identification with his homeland culture and desire for national identity. However, his loneliness and alienation in real life, as well as his social failure at the Charingworth Club, reflect his sense of identity fracture and lack of belonging.