Two Identity Narratives

Abstract

Specific populations with fluid identities are subject to external construction of their particularity and rarely expose their own commitments in public arena. Their identity-related feelings and loyalties are built up in correlation of personal intimacy, cultural intimacy and various inputs stemming from the sphere of identity. Varieties of storytelling play significant role in displaying identity-related intimacy and are used in elaboration of identity-inputs that are externally served to such populations. Based on superficial, genristic storytelling, interplay of various flaws of consciousness enables for the playful mixture of emotional precepts. Two types of storytelling on particularity of guest workers (gastarbeiter) are examined, in order to explore their formative potential and transformation through time. Literary narrative, as represented in the novel by Darko Markov Twilight in Viennese Hallway (Sumrak u Bečkom haustoru), and publicist narrative, as represented in The World in Shadows (Svijet u sjeni), a book by Nenad Popovic, are also interpreted as valuable sources for the understanding of identity troubles, especially as sources of representation of guest workers as living in-between geographical and social worlds.