Social Symbolism and the Crisis of Modern Man in the Selected Short Stories of Mazhar-ul-Islam: A Critical Study in the Pakistani Social Context (1960–1980)

Abstract

This research paper explores social symbolism and the crisis of the modern man in the selected short stories of Mazharul Islam within the socio-historical context of Pakistan from 1960 to 1980. This period in Pakistani history was marked by rapid social change, urbanization, and political instability, which significantly influenced Urdu fiction and modernist writing. The study analyzes how social symbols in the selected stories represent themes such as alienation, identity crisis, fragmentation of relationships, and psychological distress of modern man. Instead of direct narration, the writer uses symbolic and metaphorical techniques to express complex social realities. Using a qualitative textual analysis approach, the research examines the selected stories in relation to their historical and social background. The study concludes that Mazhar-ul-Islam’s fiction reflects the inner and outer crises of modern man, where social symbolism becomes a powerful tool to portray societal instability and human alienation in a changing world.

References:

1. Majeed Muzmar, Dr., Urdu Ka Alamaati Afsana, Delhi: New Litho Arts Press Delhi, 1990, p. 24.
2. Farida Usman, Dr., "Mazhar-ul-Islam Ke Afsanon Mein Fard Ki Gumshudgi", Research Article, Al-Aasaar Journal, p. 46.
3. Muhammad Ghalib Nishtar, Mazhar-ul-Islam Ka Fiction, Delhi: Brown Publications New Delhi, 1990, p. 109.
4. Fateh Malik, Professor, "Mazhar-ul-Islam Ki Afsana Nigari", in Ghoron Ke Sheher Mein Akela Aadmi, Lahore: Sang-e-Meel Publications, 2006, p. 273.
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6. Safia Ibad, Dr., Kahani Mazhar-ul-Islam Hai, Lahore: Sang-e-Meel Publications, 2009, p. 141.
7. Mazhar-ul-Islam, Ghoron Ke Sheher Mein Akela Aadmi, Lahore: Sang-e-Meel Publications, 2006, p. 70.
8. Ibid, "Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji'oon", p. 71.
9. Ibid, "Dhoop Ki Mundeer", p. 25.
10. Safia Ibad, Dr., Kahani Mazhar-ul-Islam Hai, Lahore: Sang-e-Meel Publications, 2009, p. 58.
11. Mazhar-ul-Islam, Ghoron Ke Sheher Mein Akela Aadmi, Lahore: Sang-e-Meel Publications, 2006, p. 112.
12. Ibid, "Ghoron Ke Sheher Mein Akela Aadmi", p. 138.
13. Ibid, "Chori Chori", p. 156.
14. Ibid, "Qissa Mukhtasar", p. 22.