DefinePK

Research Objective

To explore the plight, struggles, and resistance of subaltern characters, particularly female characters, in Saba Karim Khan's novel Skyfall, against injustice, oppression, and patriarchy, and to investigate whether the subaltern can speak.

Methodology

Qualitative study employing textual analysis of Saba Karim Khan's novel Skyfall (2021) as the primary data source. The study utilizes the theoretical framework of subaltern studies, specifically drawing on Gayatri Spivak's essay "Can the Subaltern Speak?" and postcolonial theory. Secondary sources, including critical books, reviews, and journal articles, were also consulted.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A["Identify Research Questions"] --> B["Select Novel: Skyfall"];
    B --> C["Apply Theoretical Framework: Subaltern Studies/Postcolonial Theory"];
    C --> D["Conduct Textual Analysis of Novel"];
    D --> E["Identify Themes: Oppression, Marginalization, Resistance"];
    E --> F["Analyze Character Portrayals"];
    F --> G["Gather Supporting Evidence from Text"];
    G --> H["Synthesize Findings"];
    H --> I["Formulate Conclusions"];                    

Discussion

The study argues that Saba Karim Khan's Skyfall vividly portrays the concept of the subaltern, especially women, who are subjected to multiple layers of oppression. The novel illustrates how patriarchal structures and the misappropriation of religious teachings contribute to the subjugation of women. The characters' resistance, though often met with brutal consequences, signifies their inherent desire for agency and freedom. The research engages with Spivak's theory to analyze the complexities of subaltern voices and their representation in literature.

Key Findings

Subaltern characters, particularly Rania, Ujala, and Jahaan e Rumi, are marginalized and suppressed due to social, cultural, religious, and patriarchal factors. Despite facing severe oppression, violence, and threats, these characters demonstrate resistance and attempt to voice their struggles and fight for their identity and freedom. The novel highlights that while subalterns have voices, they are often controlled by dominant discourses, and their attempts to speak out can lead to severe consequences, including death.

Conclusion

The novel Skyfall effectively depicts the struggles and resistance of subaltern characters against oppression and patriarchy. While subalterns possess voices and express their suffering, they face significant challenges and violence when they attempt to speak out. The study concludes that these characters, through their actions and internal agitations, demonstrate that the subaltern can indeed speak, albeit with great difficulty and at a high cost.

Fact Check

1. Novel Publication Year: The novel Skyfall by Saba Karim Khan was published in 2021. (Confirmed in text)
2. Setting of the Novel: The novel Skyfall is set in Heera Mandi, a district in Lahore, Pakistan. (Confirmed in text)
3. Theoretical Framework: The study employs Gayatri Spivak's essay "Can the Subaltern Speak?" as its primary theoretical framework. (Confirmed in text)

Mind Map