The Liminality of Subjectivity: Space and Memory Narrative in Goli Taraghi’s Two Worlds

Introduction: This research aims to investigate the role of geo-sociocultural liminality in the reconstruction of subjectivity and show how it can persuade a person to create a liminal ‘Self’ which eventually leads to the creation of mental space and memory narrative. The theoretical frameworks which are mainly based on Henri Lefebvre’s theories of space and Victor Witter Turner’s theory of liminality are applied to Goli Targhi’s Two Worlds.
Background of Study: This article focuses on Two Worlds and it is designed to study it by demonstrating the geo-sociocultural effects on subjectivity reformation. It shows that memory narrative can be viewed as a reaction to those effects on subjectivity representation and ‘Self-superimposition’. ‘Self-perception’ is categorized in three levels: ‘Self’ in the pre-liminal level, ‘Self’ in liminal status, and ‘Self’ in the post-liminal stage. Two Worlds shows not only the effects of spatiality on construction of ‘Self’ but also the unreliability of subjective truth and memories. Moreover, visualization of memories can be the product of mental space which the character uses it as a power to regain her lost subjectivity. Two Worlds portrays the attempts of an immigrant in the assimilation process; when the immigrant has to produce different ‘Self-images’, the superimposition of those images may result in the creation of mental geography because there should be a space to store the homeland’s images and memories. If the narrator cannot be involved in the act of communication and interaction, she has to find a way to reveal herself. In Two Worlds, writing is helpful in the process of ‘Self-assessment’ and ‘Self-healing’; it is a transition from liminality to post-liminality.
Methodology: The present study applies an interdisciplinary approach that integrates perspectives from different fields of knowledge; i.e., geography, sociology, and culture. While Lefebvre’s theories of space are used to emphasize the role of spatiality in the reconstruction of subjectivity, Turner’s theory of liminality is used to explain how geo-sociocultural in-betweenness causes ‘Self-liminality’. Through this interdisciplinary study, memory narrative is introduced as a means to help the reconstruction of subjectivity and the reconciliation between different ‘Self-images’. In other words, Henri Lefebvre’s theories of triad spaces is used to analyze the role of everyday rituals in both spatial understanding and ‘Self-perception’; the ‘Self’ is affected when the spatial representations cannot be matched with personal preferences and choices. The discrepancies between different ‘Self-images’ may result in the experience of liminality in all aspects of life; the concept of liminal subjectivity intersects with geo-sociocultural mourning and memory narrative which can be the product of culture and spatiality.
Conclusion: Two Worlds offers a site to study the dynamic relations between geo-sociocultural factors and subjectivity which use the memory narrative to find a connection between the ‘Self’ images in the mental space and the ‘Self’ images in public spaces. Studying Two Worlds shows that not only liminality has both spatial and temporal dimensions and can affect the process of ‘Self-reconstruction’ but it can also influence the assimilation and psychological well-being of immigrants in host countries. Experiencing ‘Self-liminality’ makes the immigrants aware of their objectification and subordination processes; they are spatial users whose roles are to improve spatial growth. This objectification is a sort of permission to be in public spaces and participate in daily rituals.