Usage of Religious Symbols in Fiction by Pakistani Women Writers

  • Ambreen Salahuddin Department of Gender Studies University of Management and Technology, Lahore
Keywords: Religious symbols, Pakistani fiction, women fiction writers, religion, symbolism

Abstract

Abstract Views: 151

This paper is concerned with usage of religious symbols by seasoned women fiction writers of Pakistan. These writers have indulged in using significant symbols, metaphors and archetypes in their texts. Exploring the source of symbol is a meaningful study. In the current paper, it is seen how religion becomes a major source of symbols in literature. As far as religion is concerned, the usage of religious language is not seen in respect to its
structure and function, rather it is understood by the context and pattern of text. It is also explored whether the traditional usage of these symbols is being retained by Pakistani women fiction writers or they have used symbols in newer meanings and connotations. Qualitative research methodology is applied in this current study. Thematic networks analysis is used and basic themes are extracted from text, which are in turn grouped under organizing theme, connected later with global theme.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Alampuri, Maulvi Ghulam Rasool. Ahsan-ul-Qasas [The Best of the Tales]. Lahore:
Punjabi Adabi Academy, 1961.
Basheer, Neelum Ahmad. “Andar ka Rang.” [The Inside Color] in Wehshat hee sahi
[Wildness would Suffice]. Lahore: Sang-e-Meel. 2013 .
—. Le Saans bhi Aahista [Even Breathe Slowly]. Lahore: Sang-e-Meel, 1999.
Cixous, Helene. “The Laugh of the Medusa.” Signs. Vol. 1, No. 4. (Summer, 1976).
Haider, Qurat-ul-Ain. Aag ka Darya [River of Fire]. Lahore: Sang-e-Meel, 2000.
Hashmi, Jamila. Dasht-e-Soos [The Desert of Soos]. Lahore: Sang-e-Meel, 2007.
Hussain, Khalida. Majmooa-e-Khalida Hussain [Collected works of Khalida Hussain].
Lahore: Sang-e-Meel, 2008.
Iqbal, Tahira. Ganji bar. Islamabad: Dost Publications, 2008.
Mastoor, Khadija. Majmooa e Khadija Mastoor [Collected works of Khadija Mastoor].
Lahore: Sang-e-Meel, 2008.
Qudsia, Bano. Amar Bail [Air Creeper]. Lahore: Sang-e-Meel, 2009.
—. Hasil Ghaat. Lahore: Sang-e-Meel, 2003.
—. Kuch aur Nahin [Nothing more]. Lahore. Sang-e-Meel, 2004.
— Raja Gidh [Vulture King]. Lahore: Sang-e-Meel, 1981.
Riffat. Ik Opri Kuri [A Strange Girl]. Lahore: Saarang Publications, 1986.
—. Ainak [spectacles]. Batti Wala Chowk [roundabout with signal]. Lahore: Idara
Punjabi Adab te Saqafat, 2003.
Salahuddin, Ambreen. “Women’s Lives and Images: Traditional Symbolism in Pakistan
Fiction.” PhD. Diss., Lahore: University of the Punjab, 2015.
—. Muhammad Zakariya Zakar, and Ahmad Usman. “Threshold: A Spatial and
Ideological Barrier in South Asian Fiction-A Case study of Pakistani Women
Fiction Writers.” South Asian Studies 31 no.1 (2016): 175-185.
—. Ahmad Usman, “Beyond the Threshold: Emancipation or Entrapment? The Feminine
Archetypes in Pakistani Women Fiction Writers.” Journal of Research
(Humanities) 3 January (2017): 15-29.
Published
2018-04-03
How to Cite
Ambreen Salahuddin. 2018. “Usage of Religious Symbols in Fiction by Pakistani Women Writers”. Journal of Islamic Thought and Civilization 8 (1), 84-92. https://journals.umt.edu.pk/index.php/JITC/article/view/94.
Section
Articles