Sikander The Characteristic of the Major Character
son was to be the only heir of wealth in a home. In this novel, people also believe in that idea; that man is the most precious commodity in a home.
“In a cultural and land where sons traditionally cherished, an only son was the most precious commodity of all worldly goods for any
father. Hence, to lose your only son was like loosing itself, the worst calamity one’s worst enemy could face Qaisra: 35.”
When a son was venerated in Pakistan, daughter was underestimated. They were weightened the responsibility to maintain family’s izzat or honor. According
to Weiss, superiority of men also appeared in perception that men’s honor resided in the actions the women of their families’ izzat. It signifies that women should
take a great responsibility of their family’s izzat. That responsibility was revealed in limitation of clothing cares, relationship building, attitude, places restrictions
and women’s mobility. This condition is represented by Zarri Bano. Zarri Bano, as well as women in Pakistan, is limited in clothing in order to preserve men’s
honor. Women are badly addressed easier. Citation below proves that this belief exists in this novel.
“Dearest sister, I wish you would make sure that your scarf manages to stay in place on your head when you are outside in a
public places, he nagged her gently. ‘Look at your hair Don’t you ever tie it up? It is not good for a woman to be seen like this Men,
especially Badmash men, give women looks when they are as beautiful as you. You look so wanton It creates a very bad
impression, not only of you but of us and our father. Only naughty women do that sort of thing Qaisra: 4.”
Patriarchal system in this novel is represented by old male characters such like Siraj Din and Habib. They consider women are weak and men’s decisions are
the best. Habib oppresses women in his family, his daughters and his wife. He compels her daughter- Zarri Bano- to be a Holy Woman though he knows that
Zarri Bano wants to marry her fiancee. Shahzadaalso disagrees with Habib’s idea. They try to prevent that idea to realise. He even threatens his wife with divorce.
However Habib threatens them and oppresses them. Citation below shows how Habib underestimates his wife and indirectly represents men’s thought in
Pakistan. “It can and will happen Do you think that you, a female, can
prevent it? The scales are weightened you, woman …. I want you to support me in this. That is your duty as a wife. If you don’t do it,
our ancient traditions will outweigh your opposition, so you had better get used to the idea. Remember what I said, I’ll divorce you
on the spot if you rebel against us Qaisra: 42.”
Siraj Din is also a representation of patriarchal system in this novel. During his life, he attempts to dominate Zulaikha, his wife. Unfortunately, he has
never succeeded. He deems men should be the master and men who are dominated by women are foolish. In addition, he believes that men don’t really
need women. “At your age, Habib You are nearly sixty Why do you care so
much about your wife? You don’t need a wife to live your life …. I learnt from him that a man can make an utter fool of himself, if he
pays too much attention to his wife….I would never become a slave to a mere woman. No female was going to have a chance to
dominate and humiliate me. My misfortune was that I spent all my life doing that to my wife and yet never quite succeeded Qaisra:
131.”
Patriarchal system directly creates female opression. Most female characters in this novel represent women’s oppression in Pakistan. One clear
women oppression is the limitation of activities as mentioned before. Female oppression in this novel is represented by Shahzada and Zarri Bano. Shahzada, in
this novel, is unable to do anything when her husband determines to marry Zarri PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI