Multiculturalism and Identity Issues in Zadie Smith’s “White Teeth”

Abstract

Zadie Smith's debut novel, White Teeth (2000), is a rich, multifaceted exploration of multiculturalism and identity in contemporary Britain. The novel, set in London, spans multiple generations and races, focusing primarily on two families: the Joneses and the Iqbals. Through its interwoven narratives and complex characters, White Teeth delves deeply into the challenges and dynamics of multiculturalism, shedding light on issues of race, immigration, cultural hybridity, and personal identity. In this article, we explore how these themes are articulated and developed throughout the novel, particularly in the context of postcolonial London.