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CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Literature, where words are the vibrant hues that paint the canvas of our collective

imagination. It is a timeless symphony, resonating through the corridors of history, capturing

the echoes of emotions, thoughts, and dreams. Literature is the labyrinth of language where

every page is a winding path, leading us through the landscapes of distant worlds, innermost

thoughts, and a profound tapestry of the human experience.

In this enchanting realm, authors wield pens like magicians conjuring spells, weaving

narratives that transcend time and space. It is a dance of ink on paper, where each word

pirouettes, leaving an indelible mark on the reader’s soul. Whether nestled in the antiquity of

Shakespearean sonnets, soaring through the cosmic vision of science fiction, or navigating

the complexities of the human psyche in psychological thrillers, literature is the alchemy that

transforms letters into a symphony of meaning. Literature is a mirror reflecting the

kaleidoscope of cultures, mirroring the diverse hues of human existence.

It is a journey into the hearts of empathy, where readers don the shoes of characters,

traverse landscapes both familiar and fantastical and embark on odysseys of self-discovery.

The power of literature lies not just in the words on the paper but in the dialogue it sparks

within us, the connections forged between author and reader, and the universes it unfurls in

the theatre of our minds.

"Literature is the most beautiful of revelations because it realizes that the years of the

woman are only the accessories of eternity." - Anaïs Nin

Contemporary fiction is a broad literary genre that encompasses novels set in the

present time, reflecting the current social, cultural, and political context. It often explores the

complexities of modern life, addressing relevant issues and portraying characters dealing with

contemporary challenges. The term "contemporary" in this context refers to the period in

which the novel is written and set, distinguishing it from historical fiction or speculative

genres. In contemporary fiction, authors often strive to capture the spirit of the times and

offer insights into the human experience within the contemporary world.

“Contemporary art, like contemporary literature, theater music, everything, is almost

always completely atrocious.” -A.D. Aliwat

Kamila Shamsie, a Pakistani-British author, has made substantial contributions to

contemporary literature through her insightful exploration of complex themes such as

identity, politics, and the impact of historical events. Her novel "Home Fire" delves into the

challenges faced by British Muslims, addressing themes of radicalization and familial loyalty.

Shamsie's work has earned critical acclaim, and she plays a vital role in bringing diverse

perspectives to the forefront of contemporary literary discourse.

Nadeem Aslam, a Pakistani-born British novelist, has made a significant and enduring

contribution to contemporary literature through his evocative and thought-provoking works.

His novels, including "Maps for Lost Lovers" and "The Blind Man's Garden," stand out for

their intricate storytelling, lush prose, and exploration of the complex layers of life in

contemporary Pakistan. Aslam's writing delves into the intricacies of human relationships, the

impact of political unrest, and the intersection of personal and political spheres. He

masterfully weaves together narratives that reflect the socio-cultural landscape of Pakistan

while resonating with universal themes of love, loss, and the quest for identity. Aslam's
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ability to create rich, multi-dimensional characters and to navigate the delicate balance

between beauty and brutality has earned him acclaim, making his work an integral part of the

global literary conversation. Through his novels, Nadeem Aslam continues to offer readers a

profound and nuanced understanding of the human condition against the backdrop of a

changing and often tumultuous world.

Mohsin Hamid a prominent Pakistani writer and novelist, has captivated readers

worldwide with his insightful and thought-provoking narratives. He was born on July 23,

1971, in Lahore, Pakistan. Hamid has gained international recognition for his insightful and

thought-provoking writing. He was educated at Princeton University and Harvard Law

School, Hamid brings a unique blend of cultural perspectives to his writing, effortlessly

traversing themes of globalization, identity, and the human experience. He is the literary

alchemist of our times, weaves narratives that transcend the ordinary, distilling the

complexities of the modern world into potent elixirs of thought and emotion. With an alacrity

that mirrors the pulse of our globalized existence, Hamid stands as a luminary in

contemporary fiction, masterfully crafting stories that resonate with the harmonies and

dissonances of our interconnected lives.

His prose, like a finely tuned instrument, orchestrates symphonies of identity,

migration, and love, inviting readers into worlds where borders blur and the mundane

becomes magical. One of his most well-known novels is "The Reluctant Fundamentalist,"

published in 2007. The book tells the story of a Pakistani man named Changez, who reflects

on his life and experiences in the United States in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. The novel

raises questions about identity, belonging, and the impact of geopolitical events on individual

lives.
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In 2017, Hamid released "Exit West," a novel that combines elements of romance and

magical realism. The story follows a couple, Nadia and Saeed, as they navigate the challenges

of migration and displacement through magical doors that transport them to different parts of

the world.Mohsin Hamid is not merely an author; he is a maestro, composing stories that

resonate far beyond the pages, echoing the universal chords of the human experience in the

21st century.

Hamid's contributions to contemporary fiction lie in his ability to address pressing

global issues such as identity, displacement, and cultural clashes with nuance and empathy.

His novels resonate with readers for their relevance to the complexities of the modern world,

and his unique narrative style adds a distinctive voice to the landscape of contemporary

literature. Hamid's "Moth Smoke" published in 2000, is a noteworthy contribution to

contemporary fiction and it is his first work. This novel, set in Lahore, Pakistan, delves into

the complexities of social class, love, and morality.

The novel won a Betty Trask Award, was a finalist for the PEN/Hemingway Award,

and was a New York Times Notable Book of The Year. The book was adapted into the 2002

Pakistani film, Daira (which translates to "circle" in Urdu). It was directed by Azfar Ali and

stars Pakistani actor Shahzad Nawaz. Pankaj Mishra, an Indian author and essayist, praised

"Moth Smoke" for its exploration of contemporary urban Pakistan. He commended Hamid

for his writing style and the novel's portrayal of societal complexities. Kiran Desai, an Indian

author and Man Booker Prize winner, expressed appreciation for the novel's ability to capture

the atmosphere of Lahore and its exploration of the characters' moral dilemmas.
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It follows the story of Darashikoh Shezad, a former banker who becomes entangled in

a series of events involving drugs and a love triangle, providing a gripping portrayal of

contemporary urban life in Pakistan. The story unfolds through the lens of Darashikoh

Shezad, a complex protagonist whose life takes a tumultuous turn after losing his job as a

banker. As he descends into a world of hedonism and moral ambiguity, the novel becomes a

mirror reflecting the contradictions within the fabric of society. Hamid masterfully weaves a

narrative that not only captivates but also serves as a poignant commentary on the

multifaceted nature of human existence.

The title, "Moth Smoke," serves as a metaphorical cornerstone for the novel,

symbolizing the characters' irresistible attraction to the flame of forbidden desires. Hamid

skillfully crafts an intricate web of characters, each driven by their own motivations and

vulnerabilities. From the enigmatic Mumtaz, whose allure is both magnetic and destructive,

to the affluent Ozi, Daru's childhood friend with a dubious moral compass, the characters

intersect in a narrative dance that blurs the boundaries between right and wrong. The socio-

political landscape of Pakistan serves as a rich backdrop for the unfolding drama. Hamid

presents a searing critique of the class disparities, corruption, and societal expectations that

shape the characters' lives. Lahore, with its vibrant streets and palpable energy, becomes a

character in itself—a witness to the characters' choices and the consequences that follow.

One of the novel's strengths lies in Hamid's evocative prose. His descriptive prowess

transports readers to the heart of Lahore, immersing them in the sights, sounds, and smells of

the city. The narrative unfolds with a sense of urgency, mirroring the characters' spiraling

descent into a world where the distinction between right and wrong becomes increasingly

blurred. As Daru grapples with his demons, the novel delves into themes of addiction, love,

and the search for identity. Hamid's exploration of the human psyche is both raw and
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unflinching, laying bare the vulnerabilities that lie beneath the surface of societal

expectations. The characters' flaws and complexities make them relatable, and their struggles

resonate on a universal level.

"Moth Smoke" stands as a testament to Hamid's ability to navigate the intricate

nuances of human relationships. The love triangle between Daru, Mumtaz, and Ozi serves as

a focal point, unraveling layers of passion, betrayal, and self-discovery. The dynamics

between the characters are charged with tension, making each interaction a narrative powder

keg waiting to explode.

The comparison of Lahore during Mughal period is also been described by the author

where we can see the love story of Mumtaj, who was a faithful lover. And when as a modern

woman Mumtaj is portrayed as the one who thinks of her own desire and needs. The

protagonists break through the things that are hidden from our eyes. Mumtaz as subaltern’s

voice who speaks about the issues of prostitutes and their culture.

The theme of class division plays a central role in shaping the characters and their

interactions within the context of Lahore, Pakistan. The novel explores the disparities and

tensions between different social classes, shedding light on the consequences of

socioeconomic inequality. The protagonist, Darashikoh Shezad, also known as Daru, comes

from a middle-class background. He begins the story as a successful banker but loses his job

due to unethical practices and becomes entangled in a downward spiral of drug addiction. His

downward trajectory takes him further away from the privileged world of the elite,

represented by his childhood friend Ozi and Ozi's wife Mumtaz.

Ozi and Mumtaz, on the other hand, belong to the upper echelons of Lahore's society.

Ozi's family enjoys wealth, influence, and social status. The class disparity between Daru and
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Ozi becomes a significant source of tension, especially when Daru becomes romantically

involved with Mumtaz, creating a complex love triangle that reflects the power dynamics

inherent in class distinctions. Hamid uses the characters' interactions, choices, and the

consequences they face to highlight the societal fractures resulting from class divisions. The

novel portrays how class differences can lead to resentment, envy, and a sense of alienation,

ultimately contributing to the characters' moral dilemmas and personal crises.

"Moth Smoke" serves as a lens through which Hamid explores not only the personal

consequences of individual actions but also the broader implications of class disparities in a

rapidly changing and stratified society like Lahore. The novel provides a nuanced exploration

of how social and economic factors can shape individual destinies and relationships, making

class division a significant thematic element in the narrative.

Daru's descent into drug addiction becomes a metaphor for the corrosive impact of

corruption on the individual. The drug trade, prevalent in the novel, represents a darker side

of society where economic desperation and moral compromise intersect, leading characters

like Daru to make destructive choices. The legal system, too, is portrayed as susceptible to

corruption. Daru's trial becomes a commentary on how socio-economic factors, including

one's background and connections, can influence the outcome of legal proceedings. The

concept of justice is tainted by corruption, adding another layer to the novel's exploration of

societal decay.

The characters’ desires often lead them into morally ambiguous situations. As they

navigate the blurred lines between right and wrong, the novel explores the ethical

repercussions of indulging in forbidden desires. The characters’ actions, driven by their

desires, have legal implications. Legal troubles arise as they engage in illicit activities,
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reflecting the societal consequences of pursuing forbidden desires. The novel delves into the

psychological consequences of unfulfilled desires. Characters experience inner turmoil, guilt,

and a sense of emptiness as they grapple with the repercussions of their actions. Characters,

particularly Daru, experience intense guilt and remorse as they navigate the consequences of

their actions. The moral conflicts arising from their desires contribute to a heavy

psychological burden, leading to a pervasive sense of culpability.

Unfulfilled desires contribute to an identity crisis among the characters. As they

grapple with societal expectations and their own yearnings, a sense of internal conflict

emerges, causing a rupture in their self-perception and contributing to psychological distress.

Characters undergo intense emotional upheaval, navigating a spectrum of emotions such as

frustration, anger, and despair. The gap between their desires and reality intensifies the

emotional toll, resulting in a pervasive sense of dissatisfaction and discontent.

Unresolved desires strain interpersonal relationships, adding to the characters’

psychological burdens. The breakdown of relationships contributes to a sense of isolation and

loneliness, compounding the psychological toll of unfulfilled desires. Moth Smoke gives a

depiction of how much it is important to be an educated person as it gives sophistication to

one’s life. He speaks what he thinks is well-bred English to deny the lower-class origins that

color the accent of his Urdu and Punjabi. But like an over ambitious toupee, his artificial

diction draws attention to what it’s meant to hide. Here Murad Badshah is trying to cover up

his inferiority complex by speaking English to look like an educated fellow with a proud

language, although he did not make it. Language is the most important factor in determining

the dominance of any state, culture, society, or personality. He fails to accomplish this goal to

feel superior or like an upper-class civilized individual. It notifies the crises of Pakistan’s
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society because education does not mean speaking the dominant language but to following

the dominant morals and norms taught by an educational institution.

Pakistan’s education does not teach high morals but blindly follows the dominant

culture without any proper agenda. There are exceptions in our society, but it is all about their

own efforts and dedication to gaining real knowledge and becoming real rational. Lack of

education has its own consequences, either in the upper class or middle class, because

education is not a property that someone will buy. One with no education does not give a

damn about the results of anything or taking any decision without thinking about its penalties.

They say that educated people are scared of doing things, but educated people are concerned

about situations that might get rough or damage society. So, they care about everything and,

most importantly, about their existence with peace and dignity.

In the novel, Mohsin Hamid indicates these kinds of uneducated fellows who just do

it without discerning. As mentioned in Moth Smoke, “Of course, the bullets might not have

come from those weddings. Someone might have fired a Kalashnikov in the air to announce a

victory in a kite fight, a job promotion, or the birth of a child. A young man may have fired

just to fire, or to let the neighborhood know that his was not a house to be robbed” (p. 133).

Without thinking that one’s actions might hurt someone and lead to situations like the death

of Daru’s mother, found dead in the morning.

However, given that Pakistan spends a hundred times more money on defense than on

education, it appears that being a civilized nation and acting socially will always be a pipe
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dream. It is said that "common sense is a sense which is not common". Why does one fire in

the air to celebrate the victory of a kite fight or job promotion? Our society does not even

know how to celebrate and dream of a great nation one day. The economy needs to be spent

in the right place to end these kinds of socio-economic crises.

My project has been divided into four categories. The first section consists of the life

and downfall in Daru’s life. The second section of my project discusses about the class and

political struggle in Lahore’s elite society. The third section delves into the cultural and

gender issues. The fourth section discusses summing up of these three sections.
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CHAPTER II

DARU’S LIFE AND HIS DOWNFALL

The story begins while Daru is on trial for the death of a boy, and the text examines

the events leading up to this false accusation. The life of Daru has been a great controversy

for him as he faced rapid downfall both in his life and his career. He was having a good life at

the beginning but he loses his banker job and becomes a drug addict. His insecurity is

heightened by the return from the US of a childhood friend and rival. Aurangzeb Shah also

called Ozi has everything Daru doesn't: a Mitsubishi Pajero, a well-paid job, a foreign

education, a wealthy, corrupt father, and a beautiful wife, Mumtaz, who leads a secret double

life as an investigative journalist.

Dara dreams of a high paying job in an MNC, but is confined to a small time banker’s

job. He has a fondness for hash and weed. Things get worse when he loses his job and

plunges into deep sadness and stress. His best friend, Ozi, arrives from the US at the same

time which makes his life more insecure as he sees his friend living a posh life with a
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beautiful wife. He gets invited to Ozi’s parties where he gets drawn scandalously to Mumtaz.

They smoke joints together and develop closeness. Stressed out because of losing his job, and

at the same time the nuclear tests India and Pakistan carry out make things worse for him as

he doesn’t get a job because of financial tensions in his country. He takes help of his other

friend and he starts selling weed to make his ends meet. At the same time, we come to know

of Mumtaz’s deep secret and Dara helps her in her endeavours.

Daru has mixed feelings about seeing his friend. Ozi is wealthy and successful, while

Daru still lives in the same small house, working a menial job at a bank. Daru is also struck

by Mumtaz’s beauty and throaty voice. After reuniting with Ozi and Mumtaz, Daru loses his

job at the bank. He is fired for insubordination and he thinks the job is beneath him but tries

to keep it secret from his friend, especially given the privileged circles Ozi inhabits. Daru

attends parties with Ozi and Mumtaz, populated with Lahore’s young glitterati. While he

resents their wealth and privilege, he uses the opportunity to get to know Mumtaz better

while Ozi schmoozes with the crowd.

Daru’s electricity is cut off due to his inability to pay, and his desperation over his

financial situation grows. He cannot pay his servant, Manucci, and he is embarrassed to

borrow money from his uncle. He turns to dealing drugs, at first incidentally, and then with

greater enthusiasm. However, Daru begins using drugs more, often smoking a heroin-laced

joint. This shows how Daru’s life has turned out with full of struggles. One day, Daru is

caught with a substantial amount of drugs, and the legal authorities take notice. The specific

details of his arrest and the events leading up to it are intricately woven into the narrative,

reflecting the consequences of his choices and the societal challenges depicted in the novel.

The arrest serves as a pivotal moment in Daru's life, underscoring the themes of corruption,

moral decay, and the harsh realities of a rapidly changing Lahore.

“My cell is full of shadows. Hanging naked from a wire in the hall outside, a bulb

casts light cut by rusted bars into thin strips that snake along the concrete floor and up the

back wall. People like stains dissolve into the grayness.” – Pg no:5

Daru faces a complex struggle during his time in prison. The novel explores his

psychological and emotional turmoil as he grapples with the consequences of his action, drug

addiction, and the societal pressure in Lahore. Daru’s imprisonment serves as a backdrop to

delve into the societal and cultural issues prevalent in Pakistan. His struggle is not only with

the physical confinement but also with the internal conflict steaming from his choices and the

shifting dynamics of his relationships.

Daru, on the other hand, is often shown as the one “locked out of the kitchen.” The

novel plays on the two characters’ rivalry, and on Daru’s archetypal position as the stepchild,

the foundling, who is constantly reminded that he is not entitled to the same benefits as the

blood offspring. Daru has a house, a car, and he employs a servant, Manucci; but each of

these symbols of wealth is jeopardized as soon as he loses his job. Always standing on the

threshold, looking in at Ozi’s success, Daru becomes increasingly bitter, and rather than

entering the corrupt elite, he is progressively led into a life of petty crime.

The author intricately portrays Daru's descent into the dark facets of his own

personality, highlighting the impact of his drug addiction on his mental state. The prison

environment becomes a metaphor for the confinement imposed by societal norms and

expectations. Daru's experiences in prison also reflect broader themes such as class disparity,

corruption, and the influence of Westernization on traditional values. The novel skillfully

weaves together personal and societal struggles, offering a nuanced portrayal of Daru's

character within the larger context of Pakistani society. Overall, Daru's struggle in the prison
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in "Moth Smoke" is a multifaceted exploration of personal and societal challenges, providing

readers with a thought-provoking narrative on the complexities of human behavior and

societal dynamics.

Through Daru's journey, Hamid raises profound questions about morality and the

consequences of one's choices. The novel challenges conventional notions of right and

wrong, inviting readers to ponder the shades of gray that define the human experience. It

serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities inherent in navigating a world

that often demands conformity while tempting individuals to embrace their most primal

desires. It combines elements of literary fiction, social commentary, and psychological

exploration. The novel explores the complexities of human relationships, societal norms, and

personal struggles within the context of modern Pakistan. While it doesn't fit neatly into a

single genre, its narrative depth and nuanced exploration of characters and themes make it a

compelling work of contemporary fiction.

Daru struggles with reconciling his academic potential with his financial reality. He

feels trapped in a low-paying job, resenting the privilege enjoyed by his friends like Ozi. This

pride prevents him from seeking help or accepting his situation. To maintain his social circle

and access drugs, Daru engages in unethical activities like selling drugs to Ozi. These

compromises chip away at his self-worth and blur the lines between right and wrong. Losing

his job and facing financial hardship, Daru becomes desperate for a solution. This desperation

makes him susceptible to manipulation and poor choices.

The job loss sets off a domino effect, leading to financial troubles and a loss of his

social standing. This instability fuels his anxieties and insecurities. Daru becomes entangled

with Ozi, whose wealth and influence mask a manipulative and vengeful nature. Ozi
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orchestrates events that ultimately lead to Daru's downfall. The stark contrast between Daru's

reality and the privileged world of his friends fuels his resentment and frustration. These

social inequalities limit his options and contribute to his sense of powerlessness. Moreover,

the meaningless death of Daru’s mother functions, for him, as a haunting reminder of the

insignificance of his own existence. Daru’s sense of the precariousness of self is reinforced

by the loss of his job, evoking intense feelings of alienation, disillusionment and a

debilitating feeling of emasculation. Socially disconnected and marginalised, Daru turns to

drugs and falls into “an abyss of emotional depression, moral turpitude, and criminal

activity”. As Daru’s financial situation worsens, he becomes acutely aware of his inability to

control his fate.

“Ozi embraces me hard, like a friend preventing a fight … “I’m so sorry yaar. I know it was just

supposed to be the three of us tonight but there’s been a change of plans. I hope you don’t mind.” …

And with that he steps aside and lets me pass, and I begin to understand what’s he’s talking about. I

have arrived at a full-fledged invitational dinner only semi-invited. That is, I was told to come late for

drinks while other guests came early … I know a snub when I see one, and this is a serious snub …

The introductions begin.… They’ve sized me up, figured out I’m a small fish, and decided to let me

swim by myself for the evening.” (MS77)

As Daru loses the privileges associated with employment (such as electricity and the

ability to purchase supplies), he becomes increasingly aware of how different contemporary

life in Lahore is for members of different socio-economic groups. He becomes sensitive to

the growing sense of dissatisfaction, indignation and anger among the masses over the

expanding hierarchical gulf between the rich and the under-privileged. He is increasingly

aware of the failure of the State to hold its non-state agents accountable for their actions.
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Daru comes to view contemporary Lahore as a cartographic palimpsest representing a

“complex materialization of social and cultural relations”

After this failure, he starts selling the charas, hash and drugs. He wants to secure

future. He indulges in heinous crime of selling drug just for earning money. He sells drugs to

the rich. He provides charas to a big federal family person, Shuja. Shuja’s father becomes

aware of this matter. He catches Daru and beats him severely. Daru does not say anything

because he knows it is a wild goose chase to fight with him. Hamid reflects the thinking of

the poor that they remain silent when they are attempted to kill by the rich. They know that it

is wisdom to shut their mouths because nobody will hear them.

Daru’s downfall after his love with Mumtaz is marked by a series of poor choices and

self-destructive behavior. His involvement in drugs, his affair with Mumtaz, and his

increasing detachment from societal norms contribute to his eventual decline. The novel

explores themes of social class, corruption, and personal responsibility as Daru grapples with

the consequences of his actions.

The more struggles to find a way back into the system the more he is ground down by

it. Murad has been marginalized by the global economy but thrives on it through extortion

and burglary; the more wealth it produces in Lahore the more there is for him to

“expropriate.” Ozi thrives on forms of illicit trade related to global fl ows of capital, but he is

arguably the most corrupt fi gure in the novel. Hamid’s poorer characters seem trapped in a

world where the local economy is a dead-end, but where the opportunities offered by the

global economy are both profoundly uneven and deeply tied to corruption. The wealthier

ones, like Ozi, make money from the global economy, but in ways that contribute to the

poverty of the middle and lower classes. In his social criticism Hamid is torn between seeing
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globalization as a potentially productive force and one that is simply grinding down his own

country. His novel dramatizes the latter view, so that taken together, his writings present a

profoundly ambivalent relationship to globalization.

“You have to have money these days. The roads are falling apart, so you need a Pajero

or a Land Cruiser. The phone lines are erratic, so you need a mobile. The colleges are overrun

with fundos who have no interest in getting an education, so you have to go abroad. And

that’s ten lakhs a year, mind you. Thanks to electricity theft there will always be shortages, so

you have to have a generator. The police are corrupt and ineffective, so you need private

security guards. It goes on and on. People are pulling their pieces out of the pie, and the pie is

getting smaller, so if you love your family, you’d better take your piece now, while there’s

still some left. That’s what I’m doing. And if anyone isn’t doing it, it’s because they’re locked

out of the kitchen.”(MS 78)

Hamid’s heroes act on lines of contemporary trends in their societies. Both the under

study heroes are representatives of typical Pakistani mentality. One is over ambitious about

living and working in America, and the other is obsessed with ‘looking rich’. So for

materializing their respective dreams, both seem ready to go any length. Daru, despite being

an educated and energetic gentleman can shake-hand with a drug peddler (Murad,

Rickshay’wala) to join him in ‘easy and big paying’ business of drugs. He was not, but he

became a man of cheap morals. He gets stuck with Ozi and Mumtaz to keep himself among

the rich of the society and thereby to enjoy a mock satisfaction of ‘being high’ in society. He

is comfortable in relationship with Mumtaz which is neither worth declaring nor worth
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accepting; but for him (and for her as well, with her own specific reasons) that is not a

problem. He is fine to keep her relation for his sexual and social un-fulfillment.
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CHAPTER III

CLASS AND POLITICAL STRUGGLES IN LAHORE’S ELITE

SOCIETY

The term "Socioeconomic" is the combination of two words related to social sciences

and economics. The socio-economic theory is based on the relationship of social behaviors
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like norms, ethics, and sentiments with economic status. It relates the position of two

different individuals based on education, wealth, occupation, and where someone lives. This

theory is basically used to depict the difference in the economic status of society as a whole.

Our society is divided into three parts: high, middle, and lower class and the same is the case

for Socio-economic theory. Any level of status includes education, wealth, occupation, and

where an individual or a family is living. Education and wealth are given more importance

than other factors as they predict the physical and mental health problems of an individual

facing a socio-economic crisis. Some give more importance to education as they know the

worth of it, while others give priority to wealth being poor.

As this novel is located in Pakistan, the focus will be on the socio-economic crises

faced by the youth of Pakistan. Mohsin Hamid gives an interview with Terry Gros during

September 2001. In this interview, Mohsin Hamid mentions that the title of the book is truly

symbolic of Islamic literature. It basically expresses the unification of a person with God. It is

about the attraction of Pakistan towards Islam. Mohsin Hamid argues that once it was just a

dream to have a country based on the basics of Islam. But when it came true and Pakistan

became a state of religious Islam, no real spirits were found. He further argues that Moth

Smoke shows the exact portrayal of the high class people of Pakistan’s society and Lahore

especially and their corruption. There are no such beliefs, values, ethical norms, moralities, or

practices in this country, despite its name, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

The rich were considered liberals and up to the mark. The poor were not even

allowed to think the same way as liberals do. Moth Smoke, especially referring to the elite

class and their differences from the rest of society, shows that the elite class is full (with

exceptions) of corrupt people who gamble with the rights and lives of the lower class. The
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elites usually spend a lot on their maintenance for a luxurious lifestyle while most of the time

ignoring their own servants to feed them properly.

Moth Smoke reveals the impacts of unemployment on youth and their approach

towards crimes because of their social position. These crises lead any society towards crimes,

hatred, and disobeying of any law and rule. Mohsin Hamid tried to justify globalization and

who is responsible for it: the common people because humanity is the same all around the

world. It is utterly our fault if society is disturbed because we are ignoring the approach in

which we should address our problems. This novel has the concept of fundamentalism by

observing keenly. It is the story of a man struggling to maintain a high-class lifestyle, which

leads him to commit crimes and end up in jail.

“The city waits for thunder's echo, for a wall of heat that burns Lahore with the

energy of a thousand summers, a million partitions, a billion atomic souls split in half.”

Darashikoh was brought up in high-class luxuries. But he did not make it to maintain

that lifestyle because of his financial status and his unacceptable attitude towards people. And

after losing his job, he became a drug dealer and abuser and that led him to have the worst of

life. And society was somewhere involved in it as well. The element of hyper-reality is there

in Moth Smoke. It shows the true face of society while mentioning crime and the criminal

system and the role of the law in these things. Moth Smoke addresses all aspects of society,

including corruption, justice, morality, ethics, and human development. It also shows a way

of correction and stability of the system.

An individual from the high class is capable of doing anything and the law of the state

is paralyzed in front of it. Breaking rules and regulations, favoring people for their own good

sake, and no punishment can be given to that person who is economically strong. The court
 Rita 23

case will continue for years with no true results and justice will be finally sold by a desirable

man to injustice. As said by Daru,

“And pass not one but two lovely Pajeros. Yes, God has been kind to Ozi’s

father, the frequently investigated but as yet un-incarcerated Federal Secretary

(retired) Khurram Shah” – Pg no: 10

In the novel, Khurram Shah was a corrupt person under investigation for his

corruption, but nothing happened to him because he got money and the system was

completely under his knees. He was living a luxurious life. It also clarifies that the roots of

the system are destroyed by these corrupt people looting the state with the help of these

prestigious jobs given by the state to them.

In Moth Smoke, the depiction of social discrimination among people, even among

their cars, is clearly shown. Mumtaz tells Ozi that you just broke the traffic rules by crossing

the red light, but he responds that the first rule is that bigger cars have the right to proceed in

law or against the law. It can be seen clearly how this society works. Even every car will be

taken for granted if the mirrors are black, but when it comes to Pajero or Land Cruiser, there

are no traffic rules, no ban on black mirrors but always with a sentence that ‘it might be some

member of the national assembly or any official.’

Money makes people opportunistic and changes them as well. When it comes to

morality and money, they choose money. Daru stopped studying and started a job just to

maintain a life with few comforts. It was more difficult for him to maintain studies than doing

a job. Only the middle class faces these crises because the lower class does not even think of

having an education. Pakistan cannot improve because 97 percent of lawmakers and

politicians send their children to study abroad. do not even believe the system they made and

govern. They just use the budget of ordinary people for the luxuries of their own families.

The novel is set against the backdrop of political unrest, providing a broader context

for examining corruption. The influence of political power on economic structures and the

characters' lives underscores the systemic issues that contribute to the overall socio-economic

corruption. The characters grapple with societal expectations and norms, leading to strained

relationships and societal alienation. The desire for social acceptance clashes with the

characters rebellious tendencies, resulting in isolation and exclusion.

While Daru was in prison his interactions with fellow inmates and prison authorities

highlight the power dynamics at play in a system plagued by injustice. The monotony and

dehumanizing nature of prison life intensify the psychological toll on Daru, forcing him to

grapple with the consequences of his descent into the world of drug dealing. Through Daru's

experiences in jail, Hamid skillfully weaves a narrative that delves into the complexities of

personal responsibility, societal pressures, and the price one pays for succumbing to the

darker aspects of human nature. The prison becomes a metaphorical crucible, shaping and

testing Daru's resilience, while also serving as a reflection of the broader challenges faced by

individuals in a rapidly changing and morally ambiguous world.

“At our age, my hirsute chum, all women care about is cash. And my bank account is

hairy enough for a harem.” – (MS13)

Daru’s best friend, Ozi, is speaking here, bragging about his wealth and implicitly

goading Daru to feel ashamed about his own relative lack of privilege. It is the first indication

of the long-lived underlying tension between the two. It is also ironic that Ozi describes his
 Rita 25

wealth as “hairy,” which will later be what Daru nicknames his heroin-laced hashish: Each

signifies the moral lapse of the men: Ozi’s corrupt money and Daru’s drug addiction.

Moth Smoke addresses the social organization of Pakistan 50 years after the country’s

independence and inception, revealing the instability of its democratic principles and the

reality of corruption among the ruling classes. The novel evokes issues such as tax evasion,

the misuse of public infrastructure and electricity, and the various political alliances between

landowners and military and judiciary powers, often left unpunished. What transpires most

often is the key role played by the feudal system, or zamindari system, whereby the persisting

influence of a few large landowning families remains unchallenged.

The class boundaries he faces are materialized from the start of the novel in the

architecture of Lahore houses, such as Ozi’s house, protected by “a big gate in a high wall”

and “security guards,” as well as the houses that surround his own, “hunched over shoulder

high boundary walls”. The only form of threshold crossing Daru achieves occurs whenever

he drives to fancy parties, with the Suzuki he is ashamed to park next to his former

classmates’ swanky Pajeros and Land Rovers. Daru’s former colleague Raider operates an

interesting blend between the class based entrance to parties and Pakistan’s nuclear escalation

with India. Nuclear power, it seems, reinforces the national pride of the higher strata of

society. As opposed to Daru’s interpretation of the nuclear test as an apocalyptic event, his

friend sees it as a threshold into a selective club.

The contrasts between privilege and struggle, effort and status are constantly

juxtaposed. For example, at Daru's decadent parties, Murad serves the elite guests despite

knowing he is smarter and more ambitious than them. Hamid portrays the rigid class

boundaries that limit economic and social mobility, leading to resentment, constrain, and
 Rita 26

questionable methods of advancement by the characters. Ultimately, Daru's spiral into

addiction and crime parallels a failing in the class system, where the elite lack purpose while

the lower class lacks opportunity. Hamid's vivid depictions reveal intertwined struggles

across Lahore's economic divides. The micro stories woven together underscore defects in the

macro level class structure.

Hamid employs two key extended metaphors to develop his commentary on the class

differences in contemporary Lahore: air-conditioning and large cars. As Elia notes, the

metaphor of air-conditioning works as a “proxy for class status, wealth, privilege, but also by

the same token, poverty and deprivation” (65). Daru’s old university teacher, Prof Julius

Superb, delivers a scathing yet witty exposé on the economic reality of Lahore:

“There are two social classes in Pakistan....The first group, large and sweaty, contains

those referred to as the masses. The second group is much smaller, but its members exercise

vastly greater control over their immediate environment and are collectively termed the elite.

The distinction between members of these two groups is made on the basis of control of an

important resource: air-conditioning.” (MS103)

Being able to afford air-conditioning represents the power to manipulate, alter and

control the material and even cultural reality of one’s life and circumstances. It is also

indicative of the power of Lahore’s elite autocrats to isolate and insulate themselves from the

“sweaty” masses.. The lived reality of the “great uncooled” is suggested in many

descriptions “mounds of rubbish in front of the neighbours’ houses, dirty water stretching

across the road” and people getting baked in Lahore’s sweltering heat which radiates out of

their “damp and smelly” bodies. While the rest of the city suffers from broken-down
 Rita 27

infrastructure, the rich cosmopolites of Lahore comprising of an eclectic mix of “Punjabis

and Pathans, Sindhis and Baluchis, smugglers, mullahs, soldiers, industrialists”.

Hamid employs a metaphor to reflect the impunity of Lahore’s privileged class from

moral, ethical and state law is that of cars. The “nervous cough” of Daru’s Suzuki in

comparison to the “deep thuds” of the Pajeros and Land Cruiser driven by Ozi and his kind

are reflective of the power and security afforded by their socioeconomic status. In 1990s

Lahore, large cars charge down the streets of the city like bulls and their drivers, importantly,

always possess “the right of the way”. Breaking traffic rules is just one example of the ways

in which the elite are immune from the consequences of their criminal actions. Readers are

repeatedly shown that the entire state system whether it is the accountability bureau trying

Ozi’s father on charges of corruption, the police safeguarding “illegal revelry” at a

farmhouse, or the judiciary trying Daru for a murder committed by Ozi is corrupt. Instead of

offering protection or justice to victims, it persecutes the weak, while rewarding and

protecting the corrupt and powerful.

Commenting on the representation of Lahore in Moth Smoke, it is a city of stark

economic contrasts “where the poor and the rich (read very rich) exist side by side, and the

dirty, mean streets of its cities are as much at ease with its cordless phones and Pajeros, as its

humble hand-pulled carts for a living” . While this seems to be primarily accurate, Moth

Smoke does not simply portray these contrasts but also draws attention to the dangerous

consequences of such social stratification. In highlighting the increasing economic disparities

in Pakistani society and the corresponding marginalization, exploitation and powerlessness of

the less privileged sections of society, Hamid stresses a growing, and dangerous, spread of

disillusionment, indignation and agitation. Feeling trapped and isolated, people like Daru and
 Rita 28

Murad Badshah are shown to resort to extortion and violence to balance the odds in their

favour.

Pakistani society was gripped by social problems as a result of the economy in the

1990s.That led to discrimination among different societal classes. The poor were unable to

have due rights and justice made a business by the rulers. Politicians were only concerned

about their bank accounts and were busy with money laundering. The bureaucracy was not

working for the well-being of a state to make it a truly independent state. All these factors led

people towards hatred, crimes, and no mercy. Society was ethically dead and having extra-

marital affairs was a fashion for the rich. Women and teenagers were raped by the landlords

and others in power. Everyone considers that they have a part or piece in looting this country.

Everyone was involved at their own level of approach toward crimes and corruption.

Moth Smoke by Mohsin Hamid also gives the depiction of such a society by

particularizing it via different characters and their role in the scenario of the society of the

90s. These characters belong to different classes of that society. Their way of living life and

approach towards corruption is vividly visible. It covers all the socio-economic crises of

Pakistan till now.

Lahore, the country where the upper and the rich class have all facilities and are

involved in corruption. A Significant economic division is found within society between the

poor and the rich. There are no laws for the rich and they are law breakers. They feel pride in

breaking the laws and consider that laws are for the poor. They are not interested to keep

contact the lower class. This type of situation creates hatred among the poor. The lower class

feels insecure and deprived in a country where the elite class is born to enjoy all the

privileges and considers themselves above from the laws. Typically, this class makes the law.
 Rita 29

It is not exaggeration to say that in that situation, the law makers are mostly the law breakers.

The upper class exploits the lower class for their benefits. They gain all undue favour and

facilities when are in authoritative position.

“Murad Badshah asks me, how my job search is going on, ‘Badly they want foreign

qualifications of MBA. He takes a hit ‘How did you get your previous job? ‘Through a

family friend.” (MS

This shows that the poor having bright academic record cannot gain good job. Inform

of Murad Shah,Hamid introduces the character who could not get a job even having Masters

degree in English Literature. When he did not find job, he stars driving Rickshaw. He

believes in labour to earn money and considers it as unnatural and harmful. Class difference

is observed even in educational system. Brilliant poor students lag behind and weak rich

students excel. The rich students are sent for higher education in UK and USA etc but

brilliant poor students remain in their country and cannot get the opportunities of getting

further education in abroad. The rich families send their children abroad to get education as a

status symbol. Daru could not go USA and after getting education, starts working in a bank

with the help of his father’s friend. But after losing his job, he tries hard to get another job but

he fails.

This bitter reality of Pakistani society is reflected by Daru’s conversation with doctor

in the following words:

“Who did this to you? The doctor asks. Auto accident, ‘I say. He shakes his head” .

Hamid says that the elites have not care for the poor even they do not take any pain

after killing them. To kill the masses is the minor incident for them. For this crime, they are

not answerable and arrested by the laws. This callous behaviour of elites towards the lower
 Rita 30

class is revealed through the character of Ozi. Ozi shows no care and concern when a boy is

hit by his Pajero and killed while driving rashly. At this time, Daru is with Ozi and witnesses

all the accident. Ozi dislikes because people having smaller vehicles come on road. He does

not show respect to traffic law and gives no importance to traffic lights. Daru is the witnesses

the whole accident. Red light turns on but Ozi does not stop and cuts too close-by a boy on a

bicycle. The boy does not maintain his balance and is hit by Ozi’s land cruiser. Ozi shows no

concern and fears. After seeing the callous behaviour of Ozi, Daru feels jealous and takes a

kind of revenge by engaging himself in illicit affairs with his beautiful but unfaithful wife

Mumtaz.
 Rita 31

CHAPTER IV

CULTURAL AND GENDER ISSUES

Gender differences are multifaceted and are influenced by social, cultural, economic,

political and religious trends and issues in society. By far, preconceived perceptions and

understanding about gender delimit the way both men and women practice their lives. By and

large, patriarchal society is dominated and led by male authority and tends to keep females

restricted, mentally and physically, alike. Across the world, women are treated unequally, and

less value is placed on their lives because of their gender. Similarly, mainstream Pakistani

society is patriarchal and wants women to observe limits and limitations in their thoughts and

actions. It necessitates that women should behave like and act out as chaste and submissive

ladies, faithful wives and a sacrificing mother.

In the current scenario, there are two societal processes at play in the discourse about

gender, that is, the struggle between women and men, and the struggle between the upper

class and lower class. Class oppression is of the sort that is based on economic inequality

while “women oppression” refers to the oppression of women by men in a patriarchal society

is based on the uneven distribution of duties and privileges. The subjugation of women is

above the subjugation of class as in all classes from elite to poor females are made to suffer

but the economic conditions of one class can be better than other classes in a society. Not all

women are poor, and not all poor people are women, but all women suffer from
 Rita 32

discrimination. Women are not as free or as able as men to say what they wish, when and

where they wish, because the words and the norms for their use have been formulated by the

dominant group, men.

Mumtaz raises voice for the females who are suppressed by patriarchy in Pakistani

society and, hence becomes their mouthpiece. The stark experiences of her married life tend

to make her a strong character who not only exposes her grievances but of the overall

womenfolk in the country. She attempts to challenge the set social standards of womanhood

by questioning the responsibilities and duties imposed on her against her will. She

reconstructs the identity of women by introducing the discourse of female emancipation in

Pakistani society, concerning the novel under study.

Mumtaz belongs to the upper class of the society and happens to have better

opportunities for formal education and social awareness. She can fight for her rights in a

better way as compared to the females from the lower stratum of society who either remain

ignorant about their rights or, they are not allowed to speak for themselves, independently.

Mumtaz’s ideology concerning the roles of females has also been shaped by the experiences

of the author, Mohsin Hamid. As a writer, he has come under the influence of Joyce Carol

Oates and Toni Morrison who crystallized his views of females to a great extent. He wrote the

first draft of Moth Smoke for a fiction workshop that Morrison supervised. Mohsin Hamid

completed the final draft of the novel after returning to Pakistan. He was conscious of the

sufferings of females and wanted to be a voice for them.

The patriarchal authority denies her the due right to explore herself and forces her to

marry without her consent. After marriage, she experiences bitter realities of life as a wife
 Rita 33

and a mother. She asks her husband to observe paternity leave to take care of his son,

allowing her to hire a job. She comes into conflict with the more powerful to empower

herself. As Mumtaz seems to believe that if women cease to be muted, men will no longer

maintain their position of dominance in society.

Mumtaz is well aware of her worth as an individual. She struggles to probe and polish

her mental faculties to face the challenges of society led by laid down patriarchal principles.

She is never ready to give up under any circumstance whatsoever. She seems to believe that if

women like her are granted the opportunity to step out of their houses, they will introduce

substantial changes around her because domestic subjugation is the contributing cause of

keeping their physical as well as mental faculties outmoded and stale.

“When I first met Darashikhov shehzad, I didn’t know whether I was going to sleep

with him, but I knew I wanted to seem the perfect partner for my first extramarital affairs. He

was smart and sexy, and since he was one of the Ozi’s best friends, I knew he’d keep his

mouth shut”

Both Daru and Mumtaz shared charas, heroine and hash with one another. In spite of

betrayal or deception by Mumtaz to his faithful and loyal husband Ozi. He didn't betray her

back but he remained always faithful to her licentious wife Mumtaz. Trust and faith lost

between Ozi and Daru because of Daru 's extramarital affairs with Mumtaz and it is certain

that Daru is jealous of his friend for being wealthy, well connected and successful. In the

main plot of the novel, Mumtaz walks away from both Ozi and Daru, a decision that gestures

towards the failure of the national projects of Pakistan and India in relation to Kashmir.
 Rita 34

When Mumtaz first appears before the court in Moth Smoke, she is introduced in

relational, familial terms which highlight the domesticated positioning of the female in

Pakistani politico-judicial discourse. In the trial scene (which brackets the main plot as a

second framing device), the reader, manipulated into playing the role of the judge through the

structural choice of second person narration, is introduced to the cast of the drama played out

in the main plot. Mumtaz, the third character to enter the court room, after Murad and Ozi, is

described as “radiant, moth-burning Mumtaz: wife, mother and lover”.

The male characters are described in terms of their personalities or physical traits. For

instance, Murad is sketched as “remorselessly large, staggeringly, stutteringly eloquent” . Ozi

(Aurangzeb) is presented as righteously treacherous, impeccably dressed, unfairly sexy and

Daru is described as hard man with shadowed eyes, and proud. A man capable of anything

and afraid of nothing. The terrible almost-hero of a great story: powerful, tragic and

dangerous. This positioning reduces the strife between Ozi and Daru over Mumtaz to a

masculine nationalist reclamation project as both men (symbolically representing India and

Pakistan respectively) use her body as a battlefield to fight a proxy war.

Symbolically, the Ozi-Daru-Mumtaz triangle also represents the socio-economic strife

visible within Pakistan at a national level, at the time in which the novel is set. Mumtaz’s

body emerges as the literal, corporeal site which the two “sons” of Pakistan symbolising two

opposing socio economic classes, attempt to inscribe their meanings upon, according to their

own stories and subject positioning. Ozi wants to fix and circumscribe her body within a

(seemingly modern/emancipated and yet rather traditional) discourse of maternity and

wifehood, whilst Daru wishes to reposition and reduce her to the object of his material,

sexual desire. In the conflicting imagining and demands of the two “brothers” that are
 Rita 35

imposed on Mumtaz, the ostensible homogeneity of the imagined community of Pakistan is

exposed as an artifice, created through a variety of state apparatuses, especially the media.

Ozi’s symbolic positon in the novel, his attempts at fixing Mumtaz, as an object, in

his script of matrimony and motherhood become a reflection of reductive, essentialist

(masculine) nationalist ideology. This ideology prescribes and naturalises motherhood and

domesticity as the primary mode of experiencing subjectivity for women. Ozi’s attempt to

prescribe domesticity or the family as the primary site for Mumtaz to construct her identity

and subjectivity reflects “patriarchal familialism”.

Mumtaz as a female protagonist breaks through the things hidden from their eyes. She

wants to be a good writer and wants to earn separate identity rather than being a mom or a

wife. Hamid portraits Mumtaz as subaltern’s voice, she speaks up the issue of prostitutes and

their culture. Mumtaz's character challenges the traditional expectations placed on women in

Pakistani society. By choosing a profession that is typically stigmatized, she defies societal

norms and expectations, highlighting the limitations placed on women in terms of their

autonomy and choices.

The Ozi-Daru-Mumtaz triangle can also be read in the context of an allegorical

representation of the socio-economic conflict plaguing Pakistan. In this context, Mumtaz’s

body once again emerges as the site which both “sons of Pakistan” use to inscribe their

ultimate victory over their opponent. Daru does not have the cultural or economic means to

confront Ozi directly and therefore he competes with him by trying to win the affections of

Mumtaz. Ozi allegedly claims that he wants to avoid a direct confrontation with Daru

because he is afraid of his rage. Refusing to openly acknowledge the grudge against each
 Rita 36

other (their class rivalry), they turn towards Mumtaz, each trying to appropriate her to win

legitimacy for their own stories and the rights to write the nation’s future.

As a member of the elite class, Ozi wants to validate his capitalist, Machiavellian,

survival of the fittest mind-set, while Daru wants to return to the dream and the promise on

which Pakistan was founded. Moth Smoke suggests the ways in which shame and guilt are

used by male actors to manipulate and control women. Ozi uses guilt to manipulate Mumtaz

to maintain her pregnancy and then, when she wants to return to full-time employment, he

shames her into staying at home with their son. Daru tries to prey upon the guilt and shame

Mumtaz feels for not being a good wife and mother in an attempt to permanently draw her

away from Ozi.

More importantly, the socio-cultural tradition which prescribes matrimony as the

highest achievement and resource for fulfilment for women makes Mumtaz feel ashamed of

herself for not being able to love her son. Nonetheless, shame and guilt are also portrayed as

potentially emancipatory. Mumtaz’ self-fissuring trauma becomes a positive generative force,

unlike the trauma experienced by the two main male protagonists as a result of “their”

woman’s deviance and other life events.

Class distinctions are intricately woven into the cultural fabric of Lahore, shaping

relationships and opportunities. The novel scrutinizes the consequences of societal

expectations and the choices individuals make within the framework of their assigned social

roles. The characters navigate a complex cultural landscape where conformity to societal

norms clashes with personal desires, leading to moral dilemmas and a sense of entrapment. It

delves into the influence of religion and the blurred lines between the secular and the sacred.

The characters grapple with the expectations set by an Islamic society while simultaneously
 Rita 37

engaging in behaviors that challenge religious norms. The juxtaposition of religious elements

with the characters' actions serves as a commentary on the complexities of faith in a rapidly

changing world.

The novel also touches upon the impact of globalization and the influx of Western

culture. The characters' yearning for a cosmopolitan lifestyle reflects the broader cultural

shifts occurring in urban centers. However, these aspirations collide with the conservative

values deeply embedded in the societal fabric, leading to internal conflicts and societal

unrest. Moth Smoke skillfully navigates cultural issues in Pakistani society, portraying the

clash between tradition and modernity, the consequences of class distinctions, the influence

of religion, and the challenges posed by globalization. Through its characters and their

interactions, the novel provides a nuanced exploration of the cultural complexities that shape

the lives of individuals in Lahore.

In the novel, “Moth Smoke,” men who display uncivilized behavior are portrayed as

becoming “wild.” Similarly, individuals with limited financial means are referred to as

“dependents” due to their reliance on financial assistance from wealthier individuals. Another

term used in the same context is “saddled,” which describes an unemployed person who is

impoverished but maintains pride and self-importance.

The term "wild" typically applies to animals and plants that exist in their natural

habitat without being domesticated or raised on a farm. In the book, during a cinema

screening, the protagonist Darashikoh observes that male audience members become highly

excited when a female actress appears on screen. This scarce presence of women in such

settings leads to enthusiastic reactions from male viewers, often expressed through whistling.

This observation draws upon the source domain of untamed animals and the target domain of
 Rita 38

human behavior. Like wild animals, humans are social beings who are educated and expected

to behave in civilized ways. However, if an individual fails to regulate their emotions and

behaves in an uncivilized manner, they may be labeled as "wild" or untamed.

In "Moth Smoke," the character Aurangzeb refers to the male protagonist Darashikoh

as a "loving pet." This situation could have continued with Darashikoh being Aurangzeb's

affectionate companion indefinitely, but the arrival of Defender changed the circumstances.

The domain of origin pertains to animals that have been domesticated, while the target

domain pertains to human beings. A domesticated animal commonly referred to as a "pet" is

kept by humans primarily for companionship and recreational purposes. Pet owners take

responsibility for ensuring that their animals receive proper care, including providing a

comfortable living environment and nutritious food. Over time, pets become domesticated

and responsive to their owners.

Is commonly expected within Pakistani society that men have the responsibility of

maintaining positive social relationships and providing financial support for their families.

This implies that the male gender holds a position of dominance in society. Male members

are expected to fulfill their role by providing for their families and developing strong social

networks. Individuals who exhibit inappropriate behavior in social settings may be perceived

as lacking social decorum. Men have the freedom to lead an autonomous lifestyle; However,

if they display self-centered behavior, they may be viewed as immature and incapable of

managing their responsibilities, thus requiring assistance to fulfill their duties.

Global economy and Westernization have brought to the lives of those he left behind

in Lahore, men and woman of his own generation fascinated by Western culture and the large

sums of money to be made (and lost) in world trade or global banking. In this respect his
 Rita 39

criticisms of the negative economic effects of globalization are nearly as strong as Miyoshi’s.

These contrasting views of globalization get written into the novel in a variety of ways.