Identify the correct option(s) in Homi K. Bhabha's theorisation of the nation.

1. A. The nation arises from similarities among people.
2. B. Nationalist representation is marked by ambivalence.
3. C. Nationalist representation engages two contradictory modes of representation.
4. D. Nationalist discourse is split by a disruptive double narrative movement.
5. E. The nation is a stable and fixed category.

1. A(A), (B) and (C) only
2. B(B), (C) and (E) only
3. C(B), (C) and (D) only
4. D(C), (D) and (E) only

Pick an option to check yourself, or open the answer below.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. (B), (C) and (D) only

Explanation

In 'DissemiNation' (Nation and Narration, 1990) Bhabha argues the nation is narrated in a double time — the pedagogical (fixed tradition) and the performative (lived repetition) — which splits nationalist discourse and makes it ambivalent. The nation is neither homogeneous nor fixed.