Polish Journal for American Studies

PJAS 17-5

Jumana Mussa
Unraveling the Threads of Identity: Examining Diana Bishop’s Multifaceted Journey towards Self Discovery in the All Souls Book Series
Polish Journal for American Studies, vol. 17 (2023), pp. 69-76

Abstract: The article examines the character of Diana Bishop in Deborah Harkness’ All Souls book series, focusing on her gradual acceptance, and ultimate embrace of her hybrid identity. Partially through a Deleuzian philosophical lens, the article explores Diana’s character, analyzing her portrayal through descriptions of the body, as well as references to medical history and modern genetics. Ultimately, Diana’s transformative journey towards self-actualization and embracing of hybridity, a journey that sees her becoming the Book of Life, reflects our need to understand our own hybridity and constant state of becoming, as well as our connection with the universe at large.

Keywords: identity, hybridity, becoming, book of life, fantasy, Deborah Harkness

DOI: 10.7311/PJAS.17/2023.05

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