NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF MODERN LANGUAGES
DEPARTMENT
OF ENGLISH (GS)
Final
Examination June 2021
|
Name |
Shaista Mahreen |
Total Marks |
|
|
System ID |
Numl- |
Program |
MA |
|
Email Address |
|
Teacher’s Name |
Ma’am Asma Qazi |
|
Class/Section |
MA |
Campus |
Islamabad |
|
Course Title |
Introduction to
Pakistani Fiction |
Date |
|
|
Course Code |
Time Allowed |
Q.1.
1. What are the contrastive images used in the poem “The Snow” by Alamgir Hashmi?
"The Snow" is a poem by Alamgir Hashmi, a Pakistani poet who writes in English. Hashmi was born in Lahore in 1951 and received his education in Pakistan and the United States. He is considered an avant-garde poet who explores themes of identity, culture, and politics in his works. He has published several collections of poetry, as well as literary criticism and scholarly editions. "The Snow" was published in his collection Inland and Other Poems in 1984. The poem reflects Hashmi's experience of living in different countries and climates, and his sense of alienation and nostalgia for his homeland. The poem uses contrastive images to convey the speaker's emotions and memories of snowfall in a Pakistani city.
The opening lines immediately introduce the contrastive image of the pine trees rinsed in ice, their glass twigs shattered below. This image suggests the fragile and transient nature of beauty, as the ice-covered branches are both enchanting and destructive. The contrasting elements of beauty and destruction continue throughout the poem, reflecting the dichotomy of life and the emotional turbulence experienced by the speaker.
The contrast between winter and other seasons is explored through the line, "No thought in winter would burn itself to fragrance, or summer wit." Here, the poet emphasizes the cold and barren nature of winter, where thoughts and emotions seem to freeze and lose their vibrancy. This contrast underscores the speaker's feeling of being wordless and unable to express their fear.
The image of the father's beard, described as grey, white, and off-white, alludes to the passage of time and the aging process. The razor, which has never allowed anyone to see the hair, hints at hidden emotions and experiences. The wrinkles on the father's face, representing the passing years, symbolize the accumulation of anger and discontent. This serves as a powerful reminder of the inevitable effects of time and how it shapes individuals.
Throughout the poem, the contrasting images of coldness and darkness evoke a sense of isolation and emotional struggle. The speaker's desire to express fear and wordlessness in the ghastly white of the snow reinforces the theme of being unable to find solace or connection. The overall mood of the poem is one of melancholy, as the speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of beauty and the weight of unexpressed emotions.
In conclusion, "The Snow" by Alamgir Hashmi masterfully employs contrastive images to convey the speaker's emotions and experiences. Through the use of vivid and carefully crafted words and metaphors, Hashmi explores themes of fear, wordlessness, and the passage of time. The contrast between beauty and destruction, winter and other seasons, and coldness and darkness creates a vivid portrayal of the speaker's inner turmoil. This poem serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the complex emotions that shape our existence.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. What
is the symbolic value of a pair of jeans in the story “A Pair of Jeans”?
Answer:
The Symbolic Value of Jeans in "A Pair of Jeans" by Qaisra Shahraz
"A Pair of Jeans" is a short story by Qaisra Shahraz, a Pakistani-British writer who explores the issues of identity, culture, and gender in her works. The story was first published in 1988 in the anthology Pakistani Literature: The Contemporary English Writers, edited by Alamgir Hashmi. The story is based on Shahraz's own experience of being rejected by her prospective in-laws because of her choice of clothing. The story revolves around Miriam, a Pakistani woman living in Britain, who faces a cultural dilemma when she wears a pair of jeans to meet her fiancé's parents. Jeans serve as a powerful symbol representing the cultural differences between Western and Muslim values, as well as the identity crisis faced by Miriam. Qaisra Shahraz shows how the jeans evoke contrasting reactions, highlight the attitudes of Miriam's future in-laws, and offer two alternative endings, ultimately symbolizing both empowerment and alienation depending on the context and perspective.
One of the ways that the jeans serve as a symbol of the cultural differences between Western and Muslim values is through Miriam's reactions to them. Miriam is torn between her desire to fit in with British society and her fear of betraying her cultural roots. This dilemma is evident when she confesses to her mother, "But we don't wear jeans, do we?" (Shahraz 3). Miriam's questioning reflects her struggle to reconcile her identity as a Pakistani woman with the influence of Western culture surrounding her. She feels guilty and ashamed for accepting the jeans as a gift from her friend as if she is compromising her values and traditions. However, she also feels curious and excited to try them on, as if she is exploring a new aspect of herself and expressing her individuality. The jeans symbolize Miriam's internal conflict and sense of alienation, as she tries to balance between two cultures.
Another way that the jeans serve as a symbol of the cultural differences between Western and Muslim values is through the attitudes of Miriam's future in-laws. The reaction of Miriam's fiancé's mother, Mrs. Raza, demonstrates the conservative and traditional mindset of Miriam's potential British family. Mrs. Raza dismisses the jeans as "a phase" and emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural traditions (Shahraz 5). She expects Miriam to dress modestly and appropriately, according to her standards and norms. She also implies that Miriam should be grateful for being accepted into their family, despite her ethnic background. Mrs. Raza's reaction not only underscores the clash of values but also emphasizes the cultural pressure Miriam faces to conform and suppress her individuality. The jeans symbolize Miriam's external challenge and sense of oppression, as she tries to please her future in-laws
The final way that the jeans serve as a symbol of the cultural differences between Western and Muslim values is through the two alternative endings of the story. In the first ending, Miriam chooses to wear the jeans despite the disapproval of her future in-laws. This act of defiance represents her empowerment and assertion of her own identity. By embracing Western attire, Miriam challenges the traditional expectations placed upon her and asserts her right to make choices that align with her own values. She also shows her confidence and self-respect, as she refuses to let others dictate how she should dress or behave. The jeans symbolize Miriam's liberation and self-expression, as she embraces her individuality. However, the second ending depicts a different outcome. Miriam decides not to wear the jeans, ultimately succumbing to the pressure to conform to cultural norms. This decision portrays the alienation and loss of individuality experienced by Miriam when forced to suppress her true self. She also shows her insecurity and self-doubt, as she lets others influence how she should dress or behave. The jeans symbolize Miriam's subjugation and self-denial, as she rejects her individuality.
The implications of the jeans as a symbol of empowerment and alienation are deeply rooted in the context and perspective of the characters. Miriam's struggle with her identity as a Pakistani woman in Britain reflects the broader challenges faced by individuals caught between two cultures. The jeans represent the tension between conforming to societal expectations and embracing personal freedom. Depending on the context, wearing jeans can symbolize empowerment by embracing individuality or alienation by rejecting cultural heritage.
In conclusion, the symbolic value of the jeans in "A Pair of Jeans" offers a profound exploration of the cultural differences between Western and Muslim values, as well as the identity crisis experienced by Miriam. The jeans symbolize the clash of cultures and the internal struggle faced by individuals navigating between different cultural identities. Shahraz effectively conveys the complex emotions and choices Miriam encounters through her reactions, the attitudes of her future in-laws, and the alternative endings. Ultimately, the story prompts readers to reflect on the importance of embracing one's authentic self while grappling with the societal pressures to conform.
3. How can Annette and Tara from the story “The Gatekeeper’s Wife” be considered as two faces of the same coin?
Annette and Tara from the story "The Gatekeeper's Wife" by Rukhsana Ahmad can be considered as two faces of the same coin because they are both women who are trapped in unhappy and oppressive marriages, and who seek escape and freedom in different ways.
Annette is an English woman who marries a rich Pakistani man and moves to Lahore but feels lonely, bored, and isolated in her luxurious but empty life. She has no friends, no hobbies, no purpose, and no connection with her husband, who is often away on business trips. She finds solace in visiting the zoo and befriending the animals, especially a cheetah named Heera, who fascinates her with his grace and power. She feels a kinship with Heera, who is also a foreigner in a cage, and she dreams of running away with him to the wild.
Tara is a poor Pakistani woman who is married to a cruel and abusive gatekeeper of the zoo, who beats her and locks her up in a shed. She has no rights, no dignity, no respect, and no protection from her husband, who treats her like a slave. She finds courage in stealing meat from Heera's cage and feeding it to her starving children, risking her life in the process. She feels gratitude for Heera, who shares his food with her, and she admires his strength and beauty. She hopes that Heera will someday escape from his cage and kill her husband.
Annette and Tara are both victims of patriarchal and colonial structures that limit their choices and agency. Annette is a victim of colonialism, as she is an outsider in a country that was once ruled by her own. She faces prejudice, hostility, and suspicion from the locals, who see her as an intruder and an enemy. She also faces discrimination, harassment, and violence from the authorities, who see her as a potential spy or terrorist. She has no voice, no identity, and no belonging in Pakistan. Tara is a victim of patriarchy, as she is a subordinate in a society that values men over women. She faces oppression, exploitation, and humiliation from her husband, who sees her as a property and a burden. She also faces poverty, hunger, and disease from the environment, which offers her no resources or opportunities. She has no freedom, no dignity, and no happiness in Pakistan.
Annette and Tara are both drawn to Heera as a symbol of strength, beauty, and freedom. Heera represents what they lack in their lives: power, grace, and independence. Heera also represents what they aspire to be: courageous, proud, and free. Heera is their source of comfort, inspiration, and hope. Heera is their connection to nature, to life, to themselves.
However, Annette and Tara have different fates. Annette is able to leave her husband and return to England after she witnesses Tara's murder by the gatekeeper. She realizes that she cannot stay in Pakistan any longer, as it is too dangerous and too depressing for her. She also realizes that she cannot save Heera or Tara from their cages. She decides to free herself from her own cage and start a new life in her own country. Tara is killed by her husband after he discovers her theft from Heera's cage. She dies without fulfilling her dreams of escaping from her husband or helping Heera escape from his cage. She dies without seeing her children grow up or have a better life.
In conclusion, Annette and Tara from the story "The Gatekeeper's Wife" by Rukhsana Ahmad can be considered as two faces of the same coin because they are both women who are trapped in unhappy and oppressive marriages, and who seek escape and freedom in different ways. They are both victims of patriarchal and colonial structures that limit their choices and agency, and they are both drawn to Heera as a symbol of strength, beauty, and freedom. However, they have different fates: Annette is able to leave her husband and return to England, while Tara is killed by her husband after he discovers her theft. In my opinion, the story shows the harsh realities of women's lives in Pakistan under patriarchy and colonialism, and the need for women's empowerment and liberation.
Q.2. Do you think that the biographical account provided by the narrator and protagonist of the novel The Reluctant Fundamentalist provides insights into the trauma that he is suffering because of his painful past experiences? Do you believe that the type of experiences Changez had gone through can make a human being psychologically unsound in the way the protagonist of the novel seems to be or your opinion is altogether different? Advance cogent reasons in favor of your stance.
The Psychological Trauma of Changez in "The Reluctant Fundamentalist"
"The Reluctant Fundamentalist" by Mohsin Hamid delves into the complexities of trauma and its impact on the protagonist, Changez. Through a biographical account provided by the narrator and protagonist, the novel offers insights into the psychological turmoil Changez experiences due to his painful past. In my opinion, the type of experiences Changez undergoes can indeed lead a human being to become psychologically unsound. This essay will summarize the main events and experiences that shape Changez's life, analyze their impact on his psychological state, provide supporting evidence from the text, and compare and contrast my own opinion with Changez's perspective.
Changez's life is shaped by several significant events and experiences. His education at Princeton, where he excels academically, exposes him to new ideas and perspectives. He then secures a prestigious job at a valuation firm in New York, entering the world of corporate finance. Alongside his professional success, Changez falls in love with Erica, an emotionally vulnerable and unstable woman grappling with the death of her previous partner. Additionally, the September 11 attacks and subsequent rise in Islamophobia create a hostile environment for Changez as a Pakistani Muslim living in America. These experiences, combined with his disillusionment with American foreign policy, lead him to question his identity, beliefs, and allegiances.
These events have a profound impact on Changez's psychological state. He experiences a range of emotions, including love, empathy, anger, frustration, and a deep sense of alienation. Changez's thoughts are consumed by his evolving worldview and his growing disillusionment with American society. He becomes increasingly aware of the cultural and societal divisions between East and West, grappling with his own identity and the conflicts he feels within himself. Changez's beliefs undergo a transformation as he becomes more critical of American imperialism and power dynamics, leading him to embrace his Pakistani roots and adopt a more anti-American stance.
The novel provides ample evidence of Changez's trauma and psychological unsoundness. One example is when he witnesses the aftermath of the September 11 attacks and feels a sense of guilt, as if his Pakistani identity is inherently linked to the violence. He describes feeling "marked," and this experience contributes to his growing alienation and sense of being an outsider. Furthermore, Changez's relationship with Erica is fraught with emotional instability and unrequited love. This leads to a deep sense of longing, loss, and the erosion of his self-confidence. His eventual transformation into a reluctant fundamentalist and his ambiguous involvement with the anti-American movement in Lahore indicate the extent to which his psychological state has been affected.
While I empathize with Changez's struggles and understand the traumatic impact of his experiences, I find myself disagreeing with certain aspects of his perspective. Although his disillusionment with American policies is valid, I believe it is essential to distinguish between individuals and governments. Changez tends to generalize and blame the American people as a whole, failing to acknowledge the diversity and complexity of American society. Additionally, his adoption of a fundamentalist mindset and involvement in anti-American activities raises concerns about the radicalization of his beliefs.
In conclusion, "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" provides a compelling exploration of the psychological trauma suffered by Changez due to his painful past experiences. The novel showcases the profound impact of education, career, love, and politics on his psychological state, emotions, thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. While I agree that the type of experiences Changez goes through can make a human being psychologically unsound, I also hold reservations about some aspects of his perspective. The novel serves as a powerful commentary on identity, cultural clashes, and the lasting effects of trauma on an individual's psyche. It reminds us of the complexities of human experiences and the importance of empathy and understanding in navigating the aftermath of traumatic events.
0 Comments