Displacement and Belonging: Exilic Perspective on Peach Blossom Spring by Melissa Fu

Abstract

This study examines the issues of displacement and belonging with exilic perspective in Melissa Fu’s Peach Blossom Spring. Through a careful analysis of selected Chinese novel set during the WWII and Chinese Civil War, this study seeks to shed light on the multifaceted experiences of characters as they navigate the complex terrain of displacement. It analyzes the ways in which characters in the novel negotiate their sense of belonging in the face of forced migration, political upheaval, and ideological conflict. It also explores different factors behind migration including war and better opportunities. Furthermore, this research delves into the emotional and psychological dimensions of displacement, exploring how characters' personal histories and traumas shape their perceptions of place call to be home. The methodology employed in this research is qualitative and text is analyzed through Safran’s concept of diaspora. The findings of this research contribute to our broader understanding of displacement and belonging within the context of historical conflicts and the enduring impact of such experiences on individuals and communities. Moreover, this thesis highlights the significance of literature as a medium for exploring the complexities of displacement and offering valuable insights into the continuous human quest for a place to call home amidst the turbulence of history.