An Interesting Story in the Traditional Muslim Family - Essay Example

Other Essay Topic: Midterm paper This is the critical analysis of the story “Qismati and Nasibi,” by Naquib Mahfouz (1911-2006) taken from the collection “I saw, in a Dream, 1982.” The author won the Nobel Prize for literature in the year 1988. Brief Plot Summary This is a fascinating story in the genre of magical realism, and the plot of the story is believable. A tragic story of the conjoined Siamese twins and their desperate efforts to live a normal life is depicted with sensitivity. Mahfouz’s creative genius runs throughput the story, as he describes the struggles of that one body and two minds, and how their activities are controlled by their individual moods. This is a story of human relationships, their interactions with one another, the societal bonds that link them, and how separation is not possible notwithstanding the mental struggles to separate. Separation ultimately happens with the death of one of the two, Nasibi, creating fresh set of problems for the surviving boy, Qismati, who turns cynical and awaits death, to seek the final liberation from the mortal bindings. Literary criticism- some aspect of the plot and the topic chosen by me to address Suspense The beginning and the ending of the story is poignant. The story begins with disappointment for the couple as they do not have children. Halfway through their married life, Sitt Anabaya becomes pregnant, and when she comes to know about her pregnancy, she cries out, “Thank God and Sidi Al—Kurdi, I’m pregnant.”(108) The author constructs the plot imaginatively, but the description is firmly rooted to the ground realities prevailing in Arabia. The characters are, realistic and full of innocence. The concept of magical realism is intelligently applied through each turning point in the story. Genre This is an ideal plot in the short story genre. Human struggle against what is divine-ordained is told in the story in a matter-of-fact tone. With the birth of the Siamese twins, the parents move from initial shock to resignation. This story relates to narrative style, the post 1925 development in Arabic literature, which emphasizes the bent towards psychological analysis of the characters in the stories. The approach to the overall plot is realistic. By 1960s, comparing to western standards Arabic short stories had reached an identifiable level and complied with specific artistic characteristics. Stories were short in length, the time frame of the plot was also short, easy prose language without hidden meanings, ambiguous or suspenseful ending evoked the sympathy of the reader, leaving the consequences of the ending to his judgment. Theme-Fatalism Mother carried the Siamese twins in the womb, and Qismati, carried the tomb along with her when Nasibi, died! This is the grim fact, the fated one, for Qismati. Fatalism runs through the veins of the story from the beginning to end. The true facets of a devout, staunch (I will not say fundamentalist) characterization of a Muslim family is seen through all the characters without exception. Each one of them is God-fearing and links the developments in their life to the will of God, as per strict Islamic upbringing. Combinations of intellectual and cultural influences from East to West are evident. All the members of the Muslim family in the story firmly believe that God can do no wrong. The father of the child initially thinks from the secular angle the consequences of owning him. Mahfouz writes about his mental agony, “Mohsen was overwhelmed by a variety of emotions-confusion, bewilderment, embarrassment, a sense of foreboding about the problems that lay in store—all of which gathered around him like dark, heavy clouds.”(110) Even the midwife, through shocked and upset at the first glance of the Siamese baby, immediately regains her religious posture and the author writes about her reaction, “Whatever the call may be, it is God’s gift, and it is unwise to question His wisdom.”(112) “Qismati and Nasibi,” is a metaphysical story and the reason for birth of the Siamese twins is not answered by science. The tone of the story is philosophical, with respect for science, and the final concern veers towards spirituality. The technique of psycho analysis and fatalism is also seen as the author describes the mental condition of Qismati, “ However, he discovered that he had become a different person: one who had suddenly been born fully formed but where enthusiasm had dwindled, his inner urges dried up, his zeal abated, and his taste for life dulled.”(138) He replied, “I’m doing the only thing I can do which is to wait for death.”(138) The author further elaborates his mental condition, “He saw the darkness descend upon him, holding out the promise of peace.” (138) With such observations the author paints a gloomy picture of the mind of his character which indicates his deep pessimism. Character ideas The ideas for this story have originated from the day today experiences, of talking with friends, relatives and associates. Nothing spectacular can be said about the characters in this story, but the one stunning and fated event, the birth of a Siamese child changes the tone of the story. It makes the story a tragic satire, and each one who visits the child, comments according to the level of progression of one’s mind. The child assumes the center stage, the focal point around which all other characters rotate. It becomes the base on which the author builds the superstructure of the story. A happening like the birth of an extraordinary, problematic child leaves deep impression in the mind of the writer, and the story is born. Based on the story-idea the author makes decision as to how to write and develop the plot and to what acceptable conclusion it can be taken to. An author has number of choices for the beginning and ending of the story, and ultimately he decides what is most suitable and what will appeal to the readers most. Short stories generally emerge straight from the heart, and this one must have seen the light of the day in similar fashion. Writing style This short story is not part of the Arab literary heritage. Mahfouz too has adopted the modern concept of the short story, but it has been internalized in this story. But the themes are of the Arab world. As for the characters, no author remains without identifying himself with some aspect of the characters, even though one may make intelligent efforts to sweep such similarities under the carpet. The ideas, dilemmas, choices and psychological crises of the present generation and the society as a whole find reflection in the characters. The confusion and perplexities of the society at the time of the story also become part of the story. Doubts, questions and solution are interwoven accordingly. Conclusion Naquib Mahfouz has given an interesting story. A serious incident like the birth of a Siamese twin, in the traditional Muslim family has been dealt with poise and understanding, after the initial shock to the parents. To be pleased with God’s Will in such a grim situation, indicates how religious beliefs influence the thinking of individuals. Works Cited Mahfouz, Naquib. I saw, in a Dream. Story: Qismati and Nasibi. 1982 Read More