Why did Nawabdin find it justified not to apologize to the thief in the story Nawabdin Electrician by Daniyal Mueenuddin?
Nawabdin Electrician is a short story by Daniyal Mueenuddin, which narrates the encounter between Nawabdin, a skilled and clever electrician, and a desperate thief who tries to rob him on a deserted road. The story depicts Nawabdin's struggle to survive and protect his motorcycle, as well as his refusal to apologize to the thief who ends up dying from his wounds. This essay will explain why Nawabdin found it justified not to apologize to the thief, based on his character traits, his social and economic status, and his relationship with his employer.
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The main events of the story are as follows: Nawabdin, who works for a wealthy landlord named K.K. Harouni, is riding his motorcycle on a remote road when he is stopped by a man with a gun. The man demands Nawabdin's motorcycle, which Nawabdin refuses to give up. Nawabdin tries to reason with the man, but the man shoots him in the leg. Nawabdin manages to grab the gun and shoot the man in the stomach. Nawabdin then calls for help from his employer's farm and waits for someone to come. Meanwhile, he talks to the dying thief, who begs him for forgiveness and mercy. Nawabdin does not feel sorry for the thief and does not apologize to him. He tells him that he deserved what he got and that he should have worked hard instead of stealing. Nawabdin also mocks the thief's religion and family and tells him that he will go to hell. Nawabdin feels proud of himself for defending his motorcycle and his life and thinks that he has done a good deed. He also hopes that his employer will reward him for his bravery and loyalty.
Nawabdin's character traits play a significant role in his actions and decisions. Nawabdin is cunning, resourceful, prideful, and loyal. He is cunning because he knows how to manipulate people and situations to his advantage. He is resourceful because he can fix any electrical problem and find solutions to any challenge. He is prideful because he values his reputation and his possessions, and does not like to be humiliated or cheated. He is loyal because he serves his employer faithfully and gratefully, and does not betray him or ask for more than he deserves. These traits influence Nawabdin's behaviour towards the thief. He does not give up his motorcycle because it is his prized possession and a symbol of his status and skill. He does not apologize to the thief because he thinks that he was right to defend himself and that the thief is wrong to attack him. He does not show mercy or compassion to the thief because he thinks that the thief is a lazy and wicked person who does not deserve any sympathy or respect.
Nawabdin's social and economic status, as well as his relationship with his employer K.K. Harouni, also affect his attitude and behaviour towards the thief. Nawabdin belongs to a poor and marginalized class of society, where survival is difficult and opportunities are scarce. He has worked hard to achieve his position as an electrician, which gives him a sense of dignity and security. He also enjoys the patronage of K.K. Harouni, who treats him well and pays him generously. Nawabdin feels indebted and loyal to K.K. Harouni, who has given him a chance to improve his life and support his family. These factors influence Nawabdin's perception of the thief. He sees the thief as a threat to his livelihood and his status, as well as an insult to his employer and his patronage. He sees the thief as someone who has not worked hard or earned anything, but who wants to take away what belongs to others by force or deceit. He sees the thief as someone who has no respect or gratitude for anyone, especially for K.K. Harouni, who owns the land where the thief lives.
Nawabdin felt no remorse or sympathy for the thief and refused to apologize to him even when he was dying because he believed that he was justified in his actions and that the thief deserved his fate. Nawabdin did not think that he had done anything wrong or immoral by shooting the thief or by mocking him. He thought that he had acted in self-defence and in accordance with justice and morality. He thought that the thief had brought this upon himself by choosing to be a criminal instead of an honest worker. He thought that the thief had violated the social order and the natural law by trying to rob him of his motorcycle and by disrespecting K.K. Harouni's authority. He thought that the thief had no right to ask for forgiveness or mercy from him or from God.
In conclusion, Nawabdin found it justified not to apologize to the thief who tried to rob him in the story "Nawabdin Electrician" by Daniyal Mueenuddin. His justification was based on his character traits, his social and economic status, and his relationship with his employer. He did not feel sorry for the thief and did not think that he owed him anything. He felt proud of himself and hoped that he would be rewarded for his actions. In my opinion, Nawabdin's justification was flawed and selfish. He did not consider the thief's perspective or circumstances, and he did not show any human empathy or kindness. He did not realize that he was also a victim of the same system that oppressed and exploited the thief. He did not acknowledge that he was also dependent on the mercy and generosity of K.K. Harouni, who could easily abandon or replace him. He did not understand that he was not superior or inferior to the thief, but equal and connected as human beings.