Sometimes, one wants to have the illusion that one is making ones own life, out of ones own resources

Sometimes, one wants to have the illusion that one is making ones own life, out of ones own resources

Zadie Smith, the acclaimed British author known for her insightful and thought-provoking novels, often explores themes of identity, agency, and self-determination in her work. In her writing, she delves into the complexities of human experience and the ways in which individuals navigate their lives in a world that is often unpredictable and challenging. One recurring theme in Smith's work is the desire for autonomy and the illusion of control over one's own destiny.

In her novel "White Teeth," Smith examines the lives of two families living in London and the ways in which their paths intersect and diverge. Through the characters of Archie Jones and Samad Iqbal, Smith explores the idea of agency and the desire to shape one's own life. Both men grapple with the limitations and constraints placed upon them by society, family, and circumstance, and both seek to assert their independence and autonomy in different ways.

Archie, a middle-aged man who feels adrift and dissatisfied with his life, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and reinvention. He longs to break free from the expectations and obligations that have defined his existence thus far and to forge a new path for himself. In his quest for autonomy, Archie seeks to make his own choices and to take control of his own destiny, even if it means facing uncertainty and risk.

Similarly, Samad, a Bangladeshi immigrant struggling to find his place in a new country, grapples with questions of identity and agency. He is torn between the traditions and values of his homeland and the opportunities and challenges of his new life in London. Samad seeks to assert his autonomy and to make his own decisions, even as he grapples with the complexities of his past and the uncertainties of his future.