The Evolution of Greek Identity through the Study of Selected Short Stories of Greek Australian Writers: 1901–2001

Abstract

This paper draws from a larger project on the diasporic and transnational identities in the writing of Greek Australians. It examines the diasporic notions of Greek identity in Australia through the analysis of selected short stories written in Greek by first- and second-generation Greek Australian writers. Moreover, it focuses on the evolution of Greek identity in Australia during the twentieth century. The short story is deemed to be the most representative type of genre in regards to the themes explored by writers. The selected short stories reflect aspects of Greek community life in Australia and the diaspora in general, giving expression to issues regarding identity in its diasporic and transnational context. A model of “identity indicators” is used to uncover a wide range of symbols, revealing an identity which is rich and complex in socio-cultural, linguistic and other characteristics relating to the Greek immigrant experience in the diaspora.