Literatures in English in a Microcosm: A Discursive Review of Works by Pakistani-English Writers (original) (raw)

Abstract

The article offers a critical inquiry into Pakistani English Writing over a period of more than half a century; beginning with writers who had published works before Partition and later became Pakistani writers in the wake of independence in 1947. How the writers born in Pakistan reclaim their historical ties is further contrasted against authors writing after political upheavals such as session in 1971 and 9/11. The diaspora writers along with these categories of Pakistani writers writing in English have enriched the literary tradition and rendered Pakistani English writing as a canon. The article looks into the artistic consciousness being shaped as a result of the sociopolitical milieu of the times. The regional and topographical landscapes of the writer's locale have been subjected to critical consideration against the backdrop of a more of ephemeral and fluid 'inscapes' sought on the postcolonial frame. The article seeks to fill in the gaps on the spatial-temporal level by bringing together Pakistani writers works in a microcosm.

Key takeaways

sparkles

AI

  1. Pakistani English literature has evolved significantly over 50+ years, reflecting socio-political changes since Partition.
  2. The article critically analyzes the works of both pre- and post-independence Pakistani writers.
  3. Diaspora writers emerged prominently after 9/11, addressing global themes while retaining local ties.
  4. Genres explored include poetry, fiction, and drama, showcasing diverse artistic expressions.
  5. The study redefines 'Pakistani English literature' as a rich, hybrid canon influenced by colonial history.

Loading...

Loading Preview

Sorry, preview is currently unavailable. You can download the paper by clicking the button above.

References (25)

  1. Ali, Ahmed (1940). Twilight in Delhi London: Hogarth Press.
  2. Ali, Ahmed (1960). The Purple Gold Mountain London: Keepsake Press.
  3. Ali, Ahmed (1960). The Purple Gold Mountain London: Keepsake Press.
  4. Ali, Ahmed (1964). Ocean of Night London: P.Owen.
  5. Askari, Muhammad Hasan (2017). A Novel by Ahmed Ali in The Annual of Urdu Studies,https://minds.wisconsin.edu/bitstream/handle/1793/11841/09AskariN ovel.pdf?sequence=2&isAllowed=y
  6. Benson, E. & Conolly, L.W. (2005)Sayeed, Ahmed in Eugene Benson and L.W. Conolly (eds.), Encyclopedia of Postcolonial Literatures in English (London: Routledge, 2005),
  7. Bhutto, Fatima (2014). The Shadow of the Crescent Moon London: Penguin Books.
  8. Farooki, Roopa (2010). Half Life London: Pan Macmillan.
  9. Halai, Sadaf (2017). Hybrid Tapestries: Why Pakistani Writing in English is thriving," Herald available at https://herald.dawn.com/news/1153783
  10. Halai, Sadaf (2017).Hybrid Tapestries: Why Pakistani Writing in English is thriving," Herald available at https://herald.dawn.com/news/1153783
  11. Hamid, Mohsin (2000). Moth Smoke. London: Granta.
  12. Hamid, Mohsin (2007). The Reluctant Fundamentalist London: Hamish Hamilton.
  13. Hamid, Mohsin (2013). How to get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia New York: Riverhead Books.
  14. Hanif, Muhammad (2008). A Case of Exploding Mangoes New York: Knopf.
  15. Hosain, S. (1965). First Voices: Karachi: Oxford University Press.
  16. Ikramullah, Shaista (1951). Letters to Neena Karachi: Kitab Publishers.
  17. Ikramullah, Shaista (1963). From Purdah to Parliament London: Cresset Press.
  18. Mohsin, Moni (2006). The End of Innocence New Delhi: Penguin Books.
  19. Shah, Bina (2014). A Season of Martyrs California: Delphinium.
  20. Shahnawaz, Mumtaz (1957). The Heart Divided Lahore: Mumtaz Publications. Shamsie, Muneeza (2017).Pakistani-English Writing" available at http://literature.oxfordre.com/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780190201098.001.0001 /acrefore-9780190201098-e-69
  21. Sidhwa, Bapsi (1990). The Bride New Delhi: Penguin.
  22. Sidhwa, Bapsi (1990). The Crow Eaters New Delhi: Penguin.
  23. Sidhwa, Bapsi (1993). An American Brat New Delhi: Penguin.
  24. Singh, R. (1974).Art and Literature," in Khushwant Singh's View of India: Lectures on India's People, Religious History and Contemporary Affairs, ed. Rahul Singh (Bombay: India Book House Pvt.Ltd., 1974), 273.
  25. Suleri, Sara (1989). Meatless Days Chicago: University of Chicago Press.