Marginal Characters in the Post-Colonial Era: Mental Disorientation and Resistance of the Female Characters in Little Fires Everywhere

Celeste Ng’s work Little Fires Everywhere has garnered many good reviews. In this novel, three oppressed women (Elena, Mia, and Bebe Chow) and two images of rebels (Mia and Izzy) were created. Based on Chandra Talpade Mohanty’s postcolonial feminism and the conception of “marginal characters,” this article discusses some social issues presented in Little Fires Everywhere such as social inequality, racial conflicts, and the difference between ideals and reality. This review focuses on the mental disorientation and resistance experienced by marginalized characters. It examines their behaviors and explores strategies for these characters to establish their identity, gain acceptance from others, and attain true equality.