DefinePK

Abstract

The portrayal of motherhood in Pakistani Urdu fiction is a profound exploration of cultural, social, and emotional dynamics. The mother figure emerges as a multifaceted symbol, embodying moral guidance, cultural identity, and silent resistance against societal injustices. This article examines how the mother’s role is articulated through four key thematic lenses: as a source of ethical wisdom, a witness to national traumas, a challenger of traditional boundaries, and a voice against systemic oppression. In Pakistani Urdu fiction, the mother often serves as the moral compass, offering prayers, unconditional love, and guidance that anchor familial and societal values. Her character is intertwined with spiritual devotion, reflecting a cultural reverence for maternal sanctity. Simultaneously, she becomes a living archive of collective suffering, documenting Pakistan’s socio-political upheavals—partition, displacement, and patriarchal constraints—through her lived experiences. Authors like Khadija Mastoor and Abdullah Hussain depict mothers not merely as passive victims but as resilient figures who internalize and articulate national grief. Modern narratives further subvert traditional archetypes by presenting mothers who defy gendered norms. Characters break free from domestic silences to confront oppression, symbolizing quiet yet potent rebellion. Their unspoken struggles against inequality—whether through suppressed desires or overt defiance—mirror broader societal tensions. The article concludes that the mother’s role transcends biological ties, evolving into a metaphor for cultural continuity and national consciousness. Contemporary writers, reimagine motherhood as an active, transformative force that negotiates tradition and modernity. This complexity reveals the mother as a site of psychological, historical, and social dialogue, reflecting Pakistan’s evolving ethical landscape. Ultimately, Urdu fiction elevates motherhood to a literary device that unveils profound cultural truths, positioning the mother as both a custodian of heritage and a catalyst for change, thereby mirroring the intricate interplay of identity, memory, and resistance in Pakistani society.
Keywords: Motherhood Pakistani Urdu Fiction Cultural identity Moral guidance Silent resistance Ethical wisdom