Assignment

Submitted by; Afifa Sial

Submitted to; Ma’am Aqsa
University; NUML Multan
Introduction;
A Pair Of Jeans is a short story written by the Pakistani novelist, Qaisra Shahraz,
that focuses on a young Pakistani Muslim woman as she struggles to oscillate
between the gap of cultural differences that confronts her in her host country,
Britain. The short story recalls, through a third-person narrative, the clashes
between the cultural divisions of Western and traditional values, embodied by the
host country and home country, respectively. Thus, A Pair Of Jeans engages with
the themes of an identity crisis, accompanied by an existential crisis, alienation,
and rootlessness.
“The Pairs of Jeans” is a fictional story that explores several themes. Here are
some possible themes that could be present in the story:
1. Identity and Individuality: The story may delve into how a person’s choice
of jeans reflects their identity and unique personality. Each character’s
preferred style, color, and fit of jeans may symbolize their individuality and
how they express themselves. Shahraz approaches the theme of an identity
crisis around the concept of a diasporic dilemma. The supposed belief that
the long-held traditional and cultural attitude towards clothing determines
the identity of a Pakistani Muslim woman, acquires an in-depth focus in this
short story. As a Pakistani Muslim woman, Miriam is expected by her future
in-laws to embody the culture and traditions of her home country. But
adapting to an Asian Muslim environment within the spaces of a dominated
English Christian locality is difficult and Miriam experiences a sense of
double displacement that incessantly questions her notion of identity and
belongingness. Following the surreptitious glances and cold responses from
her future in-laws, as the narration recalls us, Miriam substitutes her attire
with a more acceptable mode of dress: a traditional salwar kameez Pakistani
suit. She immediately experiences a difference, a sense of a lack of identity
that makes her question whether she was the same person or not. And she
wonders if a person can have two sides to a character and further, admits that
the in-laws have perceived her “other personae”. The third-person narrator
follows the stream of consciousness of thoughts of Miriam questioning her
identity and recounts them as such-
“A person who spontaneously switched from one setting to another, from
one mode of dress into another–in short swapping one identity for another”.
 Such projections of conflicted thoughts undoubtedly reflected upon the
identity and existential crisis faced by Miriam.
2. Conformity and Self-Expression: The story could examine the tension
between conforming to societal norms and expressing oneself authentically.
It may explore how some characters conform to popular trends or peer
pressure, while others choose jeans that reflect their true selves, even if it
means standing out or being different. The themes of a sense of loss,
rootlessness, and alienation. One witness these themes in an orderly manner
within the linear narrative story and thus foregrounds the context of the short
fiction. Shahraz draws out the theme of a sense of loss at the beginning of
the short story as Miriam walks through the streets that lead to her house.
Cladding a pair of tight jeans and a short jacket, Miriam felt self-conscious
about her clothing because she was entering the vicinity of her Pakistani
neighborhood. Otherwise, Western clothing was perfectly suitable for hill
walking in the peak districts of England.But strangely, Miriam felt
extremely odd and experienced a sense of loss with respect to her
surroundings. Even more, as she accidentally stumbles upon her in-laws in
such Western attire, the sense of loss gets elevated more.

Ironically, such a sense of loss comes to be concealed the moment

Miriam adorns traditional outfit and prepares to act out “a role, the one that
her future in-laws preferred. A role of a demure and elegant bride and
daughter-in-law–dressed modestly, with her body properly covered”. But at
the same time, moments before she adorns the role of the perfect daughter-
in-law, we witness the “rebellious spirit” of Miriam that refuses to be held
responsible for donning a mere piece of clothing. Once again projecting a
sense of loss with respect to one’s identity evoked within the perpetual
conflicting thoughts formed in the mind of Miriam. Following this, Shahraz
suggests a sense of rootlessness as wellhahra. S out the theme of a sense of
loss at the beginning of the short story as Miriam walks through the streets
that lead to her house.
3. Social Status and Judgment: The choice of jeans could serve as a marker of
social status or a basis for judging others. The story might explore how
characters make assumptions about one another based on their jeans, leading
to prejudice or discrimination. It could challenge such superficial judgments
and emphasize the importance of looking beyond appearances.
 4. Materialism and Consumerism: The story may touch upon the obsession
with acquiring and displaying material possessions. The characters’
obsession with finding and owning the perfect pair of jeans might highlight
the negative aspects of consumer culture and the constant pursuit of external
validations.
5. Friendship and Unity: The story could focus on the power of friendship and
unity among a group of characters who share a common love for jeans. It
may highlight how their bond transcends material possessions and becomes
a source of support, understanding, and camaraderie.
6. Self-Discovery and Acceptance: The journey of finding the perfect pair of
jeans could serve as a metaphor for self-discovery and self-acceptance. The
characters may undergo personal growth as they explore different styles and
fits, ultimately realizing that true happiness comes from accepting and
embracing oneself.
Conclusion;
These themes provide a starting point for analyzing “The Pairs of Jeans,” but it’s
important to note that the actual story may have additional or different themes
depending on the specific narrative and characters involved.