Exploring "Honour" and "Gainda": Gender, Caste, and Social Dynamics in Lahore and Shahjahanpur
This narrative unfolds the intricate lives of Shamshad in "Honour" and Gainda in "Gainda," set against the backdrop of traditional societal norms in Lahore and Shahjahanpur. Through Shamshad’s struggles with purdah and familial expectations, we witness her resilience amidst tragedy and societal constraints. In parallel, Gainda’s journey showcases class distinctions and the complexities of womanhood. Both stories illuminate the challenges that women face in navigating honour, identity, and their societal roles across changing landscapes.
Exploring "Honour" and "Gainda": Gender, Caste, and Social Dynamics in Lahore and Shahjahanpur
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Presentation Transcript
“Honour” and “Gainda” Caste System and Gender
Lahore Shahjahanpur
“Honour”: A Woman in Purdah • The story in 6 parts: • Shamshad engaged in Shahjahanjur; pp.67 • After family disasters, she keeps waiting. pp.68-69 • After Aziz’s marriage, she dresses herself as a white widow. pp. 70- • Aziz’s death in 1947. p. 71 • She leaves home in strict purdah dress to work in New Dehli; p.72 17 yrs • Going to Bombay. P 74
“Honour”: A Woman in Purdah • Does Shamshad adjust well to the changes in her life? p. 68, p. 70, p. 71 • What constrains Shamshad? What kind of “purdah” is she in? p. 67, p. 73 • What is the importance of the bathroom? pp. 67, 69 • Where does she end up working? pp. 74-
“Gainda”: Plot • The story in 5 parts: • The narrator playing with Gainda before her marriage; • Playing with her after G is a widow; • Distanced from G, who gets closer to Bhaiyya • Turning point. The narrator begins to attract Mewa. • The narrator gets rebellious. After leaving for two years, she came back to find G with a baby.
“Gainda”: Characters • How do we tell the class difference between the narrator and Gainda? p. 46 • How is the narrator related to Gainda, who is actually a servant? p. 43, 46. • Why do they like to play “Dulhan-Dulhan” and the make-up ritual? pp. 42; 44. • What role does Bhaiyya play in distancing G and the narrator? pp. 43; 45
“Gainda”: Gainda’s and the narrator’s growth • How does Gainda adjust to the changes in her life? • Does the narrator grow up? Does she remain envious of Gainda at the end?
“Gainda”: Gainda’s and the narrator’s growth • Gainda – active in life, playing the roles. • The narrator’s growing process: • Feeling envious; p. 43 • Still treated a kid; p. 44; • In need of attention. 48 • Revengeful; p. 46; 49 • Different from the social judgment of Gainda, she accepts Gainda’s baby.
