Zadie Smith’s novel “On Beauty” is a critical exploration of race, class, and identity in contemporary society. Through the story of a mixed-race family living in an academic setting, Smith delves into the complexities of personal relationships, cultural differences, and the pursuit of beauty in a world filled with contradictions.
One of the main themes in “On Beauty” is the exploration of race and identity. The main character, Kiki Belsey, struggles with her own racial identity and the pressures she faces as a black woman in a predominantly white society. Smith uses Kiki’s story to shed light on the complexities of racial identity and the impact it has on one’s sense of self.
For example, in the novel, Kiki’s daughter, Zora, is also grappling with her racial identity. As a mixed-race young woman, Zora feels torn between her black and white heritage, and struggles to find her place in the world. This internal struggle is a reflection of the larger societal issues regarding race and identity, and Smith uses Zora’s character to delve into the complexities of racial identity in a contemporary context.
Additionally, “On Beauty” explores the theme of class and privilege. The Belsey family’s academic background gives them a certain level of privilege, but they also face the challenges of living in a predominantly white, affluent community. Smith uses this dynamic to explore the complexities of class and privilege, and how it intersects with race and identity.
For example, Howard Belsey, a white English academic, is married to Kiki, a black American woman. Their differing backgrounds create tension and conflict within their marriage, and Smith uses this dynamic to explore the complexities of class and privilege in a multicultural world. The struggles and tensions within the Belsey family reveal the ways in which class and privilege intersect with race and identity, and the impact it has on personal relationships.
Moreover, “On Beauty” delves into the pursuit of beauty and its impact on individuals and society. The Belsey family is surrounded by images and expectations of beauty, and Smith uses this to explore the ways in which beauty is constructed and valued in contemporary society.
For example, the character of Zora is deeply immersed in the world of beauty and fashion, and she becomes consumed by the pursuit of perfection and beauty. Through Zora’s story, Smith explores the pressures and contradictions surrounding beauty in a society that values physical appearance and conformity.
Zadie Smith explores the subjective nature of beauty through various characters and their perspectives. The novel highlights how beauty is not an objective standard, but rather a deeply personal and subjective experience. Smith portrays this by presenting different characters with contrasting ideas of beauty and challenging societal norms and expectations. For example, the Belsey family, particularly Howard, emphasizes the importance of intellectual and artistic beauty, while other characters, such as Monty Kipps, prioritize physical appearance and social status. Through these diverse viewpoints, Smith invites readers to question and reflect upon their own notions of beauty, recognizing that it can vary greatly from person to person.
Zadie Smith also subverts traditional gender roles by presenting characters who challenge societal expectations and stereotypes. For example, Kiki Belsey, Howard’s wife, is portrayed as a strong and independent woman who defies traditional gender norms. She is a working mother who prioritizes her own ambitions and desires, and she refuses to conform to the submissive and passive role often assigned to women. Another example is the character of Victoria Kipps, who embraces her sexuality and explores her desires freely, challenging the notion that women should be confined to traditional roles of purity and modesty. Through these characters and others, Smith disrupts conventional gender roles, offering a more nuanced and diverse representation of women and their agency in the novel.
In conclusion, Zadie Smith’s “On Beauty” is a critical exploration of race, class, and identity in contemporary society. Through the story of the Belsey family, Smith delves into the complexities of personal relationships, cultural differences, and the pursuit of beauty in a world filled with contradictions. The novel provides a critical analysis of these themes, using the characters and their experiences to shed light on the complexities of race, class, and beauty in a multicultural world. With its compelling narrative and thought-provoking exploration of these themes, “On Beauty” offers a powerful and insightful commentary on the complexities of contemporary society.
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