The The Self and the Other in Kalam’s Wings of Fire

A. Edwin Jeevaraj

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25-11-2025 (2)
02-11-2025 (1)

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Keywords

The Self and the Other
Autobiographical Consciousness
Identity
Memory
Autobiographical Narrative

Abstract

Autobiographical writing, a form of life writing, involves the construction of an ‘individual self’ or a ‘collective self’ within a suitable narrative, often through first-person discourse. This narrative approach varies significantly among autobiographers, with differing methods of expressing identity. Some autobiographies frame the personal self as benefiting a larger societal segment, some present the “I” as a collective representative of a specific group, and some narratives emphasize an “I” shaped by individual effort alongside the roles played by others. An enquiry into the “I” and the “other” in the autobiographies helps us to explore the unique identity of the autobiographer, the way he views society to uncover the socio-cultural context, and to understand how individual narratives contribute to larger historical and cultural contexts. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India, exemplifies this third narrative style. In his autobiography, Wings of Fire, Kalam generously acknowledges the contributions of others who played significant roles in his journey from a national to a global visionary. He speaks about the ‘other’ that is constructive as well as positive. His autobiography is post-modern and compelling due to its subjectivity and its evaluation in a challenging environment. Therefore, this research paper examines the interplay between the self and the other in Kalam’s Wings of Fire through textual analysis, and theories and concepts related to autobiographical consciousness, identity, memory, language, and autobiographical narrative. It aims to answer questions such as: How does Kalam construct his identity in Wings of Fire? In what ways does he incorporate the contributions of others into his narrative? How does his unique approach to autobiographical writing contribute to the genre?

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