Assignment 4

Sannidhya Gupta - 2021112012

Question 1
Lihaaf:
The story "Lihaaf" by Ismat Chughtai is a story in Urdu which deals with themes of
sexuality and societal taboos. It explores the complex and nuanced relationships
between individuals, particularly in the context of repressed sexuality. The story is set in
the backdrop of a traditional and conservative household and primarily revolves around
the girl's observations and experiences during her stay at her aunt's house, known as
"Begum."
The story introduces us to the characters of the young girl and her aunt, Begum. Begum
is portrayed as a sophisticated woman who is deeply engrossed in her daily grooming
rituals, which include extensive skincare and haircare routines. The girl also notices
Rabbo, the servant, who is always busy massaging and scratching Begum's back.
The central element of the story is the Lihaaf or the blanket. At night, as the girl lies in
bed, she becomes aware of strange and unsettling movements beneath the Lihaaf. It
appears as though there is a mysterious presence underneath the blanket, and its

Assignment 4 1
 movements become increasingly bizarre, akin to an elephant dancing. When the girl
screams in fear, the movements cease.
While the story may seem to revolve around a supernatural or mysterious element
initially, it becomes evident that the movements under the Lihaaf symbolize a
homosexual relationship between Begum and Rabbo. Ismat Chughtai, known for her
bold and candid writing, addresses the topic of homosexuality without explicit
descriptions or pornography. Instead, she uses symbolism and subtlety to hint at the
hidden desires and unspoken passions that exist within the confines of a conservative
society.
"Lihaaf" sheds light on the societal repression of human desires and the constraints
imposed by traditional norms. It highlights the consequences of stifling one's true self
due to societal expectations and the fear of scandal. The story serves as a critique of
the hypocrisy and double standards prevalent in society, where such relationships are
concealed but not entirely hidden.

Chimgaadagein:
The story "Chimgaadadein" by Mrinal Pande captures the everyday struggles and
conflicts within an Indian household, portraying a realistic and relatable scenario. The
narrative revolves around the character of "Mamma," an elderly woman who is advised
by the doctor to take care of herself. However, Mamma believes that her family
members are conspiring against her, making her feel paranoid and suspicious of their
intentions. She perceives that they are exploiting her financially and preventing her from
living in peace.
In parallel, the story introduces the rivalries between two characters, Maria and Soniya.
Soniya refuses to lend money to Maria and scolds her for using her shampoo,
highlighting the mundane yet persistent conflicts that often arise within family settings.
The character of Samuel, a worker in the household, is portrayed as feeling upset and
crushed amidst these daily quarrels and tensions.
Mrinal Pande's narrative style in "Chimgaadadein" is characterized by the use of
straightforward and colloquial Hindi, mirroring the language commonly spoken in
everyday life. Unlike the ornate and symbolic language used by some other authors,
Pande employs everyday words and expressions to convey the story, making it relatable
and accessible to a wider audience.

Assignment 4 2
 The story, by focusing on the banal and routine conflicts within a household, offers a
reflection of the complexities of family dynamics and interpersonal relationships in
Indian society. It portrays the tension, misunderstandings, and struggles that can exist
among family members, emphasizing the universality of such experiences. Mrinal
Pande's choice of language and her depiction of everyday life contribute to the story's
authenticity and its ability to resonate with readers from diverse backgrounds.

Question 2
The poem "घास" by Paash personifies grass and conveys profound themes through the
perspective of the humble natural element: ‘grass’. The poem is written in a very
methaphorical sense.
In the poem, grass is personified, and it speaks about its own nature and resilience. The
grass is something that no matter how many times it is mowed down or cut, it will sprout
again, regrow, and return to its original form and size. This personification of grass
serves as a metaphor for life, highlighting its ability to regenerate and persist even in the
face of adversity.
The second stanza of the poem extends this metaphor to human experiences. It
suggests that you can destroy institutions like universities through bombing, burn down
the homes of the poor, or reduce a hostel to ruins, but you cannot erase the grass's
identity. Even if you remove its mark from signposts, it will never truly die. This
underscores the idea that life, like grass, has an enduring quality that transcends
external destruction.
The poem also applies the same resilience to places and cities. It asserts that even if
cities like Banga, Sangrur, or Ludhiana are bombed or destroyed, they will eventually be
reconstructed. The scars will disappear, and the greenery of life, symbolized by the
grass, will cover them again. This reflects the idea that life and growth are inherent in
the world, and no destruction can permanently erase them.

The poem suggests that even when destructive forces try to eliminate life or greenery,
they will ultimately fail. The grass in the fields will grow and transform into vast green
jungles, akin to those in Barnala. This transformation symbolizes the victory of life and
resilience over destructive motives.

Assignment 4 3