Hybrid Identity of the Main Characters in Lisa See’s China Dolls

Abstract

This research analyzes Hybridity experienced by main characters in the novels, as the second generation of immigrants who live in the United States. Living in the new country which is totally different from their homeland brought difficulties for Grace, Helen, and Ruby. They have long process to adjust their new environment. Considering such an aspect, the hybridity is chosen as my topic in this research, because I want to know the form of hybridity that exists in the diasporic society. Their efforts to blend with host society are analyzed using hybridity theory through Homy K. Bhabha perspective. This research uses qualitative research; it means the data with sentences form acquired from the novel, and other resources including books, Journal, and internet that are related with the topic. The data related with the main character‟s attempt to adjust new environment are analyzed with three concepts by Homy. K Bhabha that are unhomeliness, Mimicry, and hybridity. By using this concept, I also analyze the critical position of author. The author wants to tell the reader about the American diasporic society in the World War II period, giving discrimination for Chinese and Japanese immigrants include their descendant. The result of this research shows that the main characters acquire hybrid identity by means of the round of their attempts as their strategy to survive and negotiate with the dominant culture. They practices some of host society culture sometimes maintain their own culture. They know the consequence of their acts will take out their own culture, but they still do it. They get their dream with full of sorrows. Lisa See agrees that the second generation of Chinese and Japanese immigrants have experience hybridity in order to find the peace and better lives in the midst of America as host society.