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Name: Hafsa Mubashar

Semester: MPhil English Literature (2)

Assignment: Pakistani Literature in English

Assigned by/Submitted to: Dr. Rizwan Akhtar.

University of Lahore
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Exploring Cultural Dichotomies: Language and Religion

In

Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie

Abstract:

This research delves into the impact of acculturation on characters in Shamsie's "Home Fire,"

revealing the challenges faced by Muslim minorities and immigrants. It exposes the

politicization of religion by leaders and authorities targeting individuals of Pakistani-Muslim

descent. Rather than addressing their issues, the state questions their religious allegiance,

branding them as traitors. This study explores the transformation of individuals into callous

figures due to such treatment.

Language, as a cultural preserver, is analyzed, showcasing its role in memories of one's

homeland and its evolution across borders. Shamsie's adeptness in portraying cultural nuances

through language-switching provides readers with a glimpse into the characters' native heritage.

Furthermore, it examines the targeting and interrogation of practicing Muslims in Britain based

on their faith, highlighting its impact on language across boundaries. This acculturation

reinforces the theory of cultural transmission, eroding immigrant cultural norms, with language

serving as a primary conduit for dominant culture dissemination.

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Introduction

Kamila Shamsie, a renowned and influential contemporary author, is celebrated for her

compelling storytelling that intricately weaves together complex themes of identity, politics, and

cultural dynamics. She writes about the issues of National identity, problems of migration,

Islamophobia, racism, ethnicity, and problems faced by Muslim minorities in British. Her novels

including, In the City by the Sea, Salt and Safron, and Kartography that deal with ethnicity and

cross-culture with the enrich use of English as well as the Urdu language.

Home Fire, won the Women's Prize for fiction in 2018, emerges as a blend of historical and

political fiction. Drawing inspiration from Sophocles' Antigone, the novel navigates the enduring

tensions between Muslim communities and Western societies in the post-9/11 landscape. It

exposes the manipulation of power by politicians to enforce laws, profoundly impacting

individual lives.

Despite its exploration of political issues and the challenges faced by Muslim minorities in

Britain, Kamila Shamsie's Home Fire intricately examines the dynamics of language and

religion, emphasizing cultural distinctions. This portrayal of acculturation sheds light on the

theory of 'The Culture-Transmission Motive in Immigrants,' which underscores the risk of

cultural erosion among minorities undergoing migration. The clash between two cultures

prompts a questioning of their cultural identity. Shamsie skillfully illustrates this theory's inter-

generational impact, notably observed in the relationship between Karamat and Eamonn,

highlighting the enduring stability of the culture-transmission motive. Through these

interactions, the novel exposes the hypocrisy and artificiality embedded within the characters'

lives.
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Home Fire is divided into five sections and each section deals with different characters with

varying narration. This varying narration exposes when it comes to language or religion, British

culture is always considered to be superior. This study aims to analyze the cultural distinction,

especially with language and religion. It tries to explain the idea that how culture affects the

person’s personality forgetting his values and traditions that binds him with his true belongings;

his real land. It also explores that how one can change his religion or be an atheist just to take

hold of politics to impose laws on his people.

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Literature Review

Being a modern writer Kamila Shamsie writes about the contemporary issues that deal with

our times. In an article by (Sands), announcing the winner award Sarah Sands says: “Chose the

book which we felt spoke for our times ... Home Fire is about identity, conflicting loyalties,

love, and politics. And it sustains mastery of its themes and its form. It is a remarkable book

which we passionately recommend.’’ (Sands) Home Fire is the rework of Sophocles’ Antigone

to highlight the story of the British family’s connection to the Islamic state and discusses the

problems faced by Muslim minorities.

Home Fire is a novel that is filled with cultural distinction especially in regards to language

and religion. An article defines culture in the manner that, ‘Culture’ as thus defined is a

construct, that is, a product of our imagination. We have defined it into existence: “A construct is

not directly accessible to observation but inferable from verbal statements and other behaviors

and useful in predicting still other observable and measurable verbal and nonverbal behaviors”

(Levitin).

This novel also depicts the alarming effects of cultural hegemony that creates cultural

infidelity and class conflict between characters. In an article LOCATING CULTURAL

HEGEMONY: A MARXIST ANALYSIS OF HOME FIRE; Gramsci depicts hegemony as:

The “spontaneous” consent given by the great masses of the population to the

general direction imposed on social life by the dominant fundamental group; this

consent is “historically” caused by the prestige (and consequent confidence)

which the dominant group enjoys because of its position and function in the world

of production. (Gramsci)
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Home Fire is a Postcolonial study that discusses the 9/11 stereotyping of Muslims and the

sufferings of immigrants. Shamsie became successful in portraying the drastic effect of cross-

culture on the personalities of the characters. Undergoing the process of acculturation, she places

her characters in cultural walls constructed by the interaction of two cultures.

Shamsie’s Home Fire presents a heart-rending picture of contemporary society while giving

deep insight into the character’s life that gives a long-lasting effect on the reader’s mind. As in

the Book List reviews, Sarah Johnson comments:

Shamsie addresses an impressive mix of contemporary issues, from Muslim

profiling to cultural assimilation and identity to the nuances of international

relation. This shattering work leaves a lasting emotional impression. (Johnson)

The whole novel depicts the realities of our time and more with the fact that Shamsie

becomes successful in portraying different characters that show multicultural even though they

belong to the same root yet differ due to the effect of cross-culture on their personalities either;

religious or lingual.

The central conflict as depicted in Home Fire is between Islam and the state. The ending of

this novel reveals the devastating effects on the lives of the characters. As it shows that death is

the only option for one whoever goes against the state. Eamonn is one of the examples in Home

Fire as Polyneices in Antigone. So, Shamsie in Home Fire discloses political fiction as a society

of modern times that is a showcase of acculturation and westoxification while portraying

fictional characters. Along with all these aspects, Shamsie’s Home Fire also reflects the
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problems faced by immigrants. Through the character of Karamat, she highlights the fact that

how dominant groups can affect the lives of lower masses.

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Cultural Distinction in Accordance with Religion

Shamsie's writing consistently offers a vivid portrayal of modern society, delving deeply into

the intricate interplay between family dynamics and faith. In her novel "Home Fire," she

masterfully examines the recurring theme of religious conflict among characters, whether it is

between individuals or involving the clash between state institutions and the populace. Through

her astute characterizations, Shamsie skillfully captures diverse perspectives on Islam, depicting

fractured beliefs and the profound impact this has on her characters' lives.

The cultural distinction in accordance with religion is clearly depicted in Home Fire. This

cross-culture shows the problem of Muslim immigrants as a threat to their religious identity.

As the novel sets forth, the British-Pakistani Muslim girl, Isma; missed her flight and now

being interrogated at Heathrow Airport. Just due to her hijab, she becomes eye-centered for the

British officer who questions her identity as a true British or a Pakistani Muslim. Shamsie’s

words show that Isma was sure for this inquiry in the interrogation room. As Shamsie reveals:

“She’d made sure not to pack anything that would invite comment or questions- no Quran, no

family pictures,, no books on her areas of academic interest-......” (Shamsie)

Still, she was questioned just due to her hijab. As officer asks her:

‘Do you consider yourself British?’ the man said.

‘I am a British.’
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‘But do you consider yourself British?’ (Shamsie 5)

Repeatedly querying her true identity, the British officer's persistent questioning reflects the

challenges faced by Muslim immigrants and serves as a pivotal moment in "Home Fire." This

scene illuminates one of the primary conflicts that Shamsie aims to underscore in the novel—an

exploration of the repercussions of post-9/11 Islamophobia experienced by Muslims.

As a Post-Colonial study, Shamsie reflects the effects of acculturation through the character

of Eamonn Lone, especially regarding his religious identity. He belongs to the second generation

of the British-Pakistani, Lone Family. Being grown-up in the British community, he is one of

those who saw Muslims through the lens of ‘Otherness’. Like his father, Karamat Lone; faith has

been shattered due to which he starts questioning Muslim’s identity even as the way they dress

up. As in one of his dialogue with Isma, Eamonn asks her:

‘Can I ask you something?’ he said. ‘The turban, Is that a style thing or a

Muslim thing?’ ‘You know, that only two people in Massachusetts who have ever

asked me about it both wanted to know if it’s style thing or a chemo thing.’

(Shamsie 21)

After having a deep conversation with Eamonn, Isma notices the relation between father and

son; what it could be. Soon with the arrival of Aneeqa’s message; Isma becomes aware of Lone

Wolf appointed as new Home Secretary. Both sisters are aware of Lone’s present and past. They

know that how he has been stride himself away from the Muslimness and put his back on British

Muslims; just for the sake of power. Isma’s thoughts and words further reveal that Karamat Lone

is from the same British Muslim background who promised his Brits Muslim communities to

fight for their rights. But now his faith has been shattered. As Aneeqa texts her:
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‘It’s all going to get worse. He has to prove he’s one of them, not one of us,

doesn’t he? As if he hasn’t already. I hate this country.’ (Shamsie 34)

Home Fire illustrates the religion; Islam, with different perspectives. Parvaiz meets Farooq,

who gives him different teachings of Islam of whatever Parvaiz has been learned since his

childhood while Isma’s superiority. Farooq makes him believe that a man must be superior to the

woman of his house. Farooq is a person who misleads Parvaiz and tells him about Adil Pasha

that he was a Jihadist; who fought for the right of the nation crossing boundaries, either of

culture, identity, or religion. Shamsie states:

That’s French for ‘jihadi name’ Superhero name is how I think of it, though some

of the brothers don’t like that. But, yeah, Your dad. When he entered the fight for

justice he called himself Father of Parvaiz.” (Shamsie 134)

Shamsie skillfully utilizes the character of Parvaiz to exemplify the practical essence of Islam

in her narrative. The story unfolds in Raqqa, where Parvaiz encounters men claiming to be

devout followers of Islam. Witnessing a woman trapped between walls and in distress, Parvaiz is

moved to aid her upon hearing her anguished pleas. However, a member of the Hisba group

intervenes, prohibiting any approach to the woman due to her uncovered face. Despite her

desperate pleas for help, the man refrains from assisting her, citing her unveiled state as the

reason for their inaction. This poignant conversation starkly contrasts the ideologies of

extremists and religious zealots with Parvaiz's compassionate and empathetic nature.

Shamsie also tries to give a glimpse that the true believers of Islam never take the Holy Quran

as just a book to take benefits of their own choice but to learn the difference between right and

wrong. At another place when Aneeqa calls her a betrayal of the family because Isma informs
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the police about Parvaiz Pasha. Isma feels alone and recalls the Quranic verses as her true

guidance since her childhood she used to recite these verses with her grandmother but at that

time it was just a language to her. Now, she can understand the true meaning of these verses that

give her the courage to move on.

Shamsie portrays the two different female character’s perspectives. It also shows the life of

human beings, in this world or the world hereafter. Aneeqa’s words show her concern for

worldly things or too obsessed with the love of his brother. But meantime, Isma’s thought

depicts that too practical or religious that she has no concern with the body of her dead brother;

Parvaiz Pasha.

Kamila Shamsie gives a deep insight into characters and portrays a vivid picture of

contemporary society. Home Fire depicts the issues of Muslims in the British community with

dual nationality.
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Cultural Distinction in Accordance with Language

Shamsie's adeptness in seamlessly weaving between languages within her narratives serves

as a reflection of cultural nuances. This linguistic dexterity not only captivates readers but also

vividly portrays the impact of acculturation. As a contemporary Pakistani writer, Shamsie's prose

acts as a conduit, sharing and preserving folk culture, showcasing her deep-rooted connection to

her native heritage. Her deliberate selection of words illuminates the cultural crossroads her

characters navigate, transcending geographical boundaries.

By incorporating Urdu, Shamsie bridges the divide between diverse cultures, highlighting the

authentic identities of her characters irrespective of their geographic location. This deliberate use

of language serves to unite various global cultures. Shamsie's approach replaces borrowed

English terms with more culturally resonant language, enhancing the authenticity of her

characters' experiences and emphasizing the rich tapestry of cultures existing in the broader

world.

Language is the best way to preserve culture; its values, traditions, and beliefs. The language

used in Home Fire is the showpiece of the characters’ identity and culture. Through the portrayal

of different characters, Shamsie highlights the effect of acculturation. She becomes successful by

switching her words between foreign English and native Urdu language. With the character of

Eamonn; we come to know that how foreign culture can affect the language. Isma while thinking

of her past; reminds the picture of Karamat Lone with his Family. He is the person whom

Shamsie portrays as a hybrid of cultures. Shamsie puts Isma’s words about Eamonn:
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... An Irish spelling to disguise a Muslim name—“Ayman” become “Eamonn” so

that people would know the father had integrated. (Shamsie 15)

Being a diaspora writer, Shamsie’s use of language as a switch between English and Urdu

also reflects her connection with native culture. Through this, she also highlights that how

characters get entangled with nostalgia. As we see that Eamonn while talking to Isma suddenly

reminds the song of his past. It is stated as:

There was a song my cousins used to sing I’ve had a line of it stuck in my head

for years. Do you know it?” Unexpectedly he broke into a Pakistani pop song that

predated his birth—he was four years her junior, she’d discovered. She

recognized the song by the tune more than the words, which came out as

gibberish tinged with Urdu. (Shamsie 28)

Eamonn’s expressions and feelings show that how he recognizes his past memories with full

self-consciousness. For a while, it seems that he lost himself in the nostalgia. Though he

recognizes his past through his favourite song but Urdu words are still unclear to him. He does

not know the actual meaning of words or what’s the song about. As he asks: “Thank you,” he

said, when he was done. “What does it actually mean?” (Shamsie 29). Posing this question so

directly, Eamonn’s expressions depicts the collision of two cultures and languages. He has

Pakistani background but still could not understand the meaning; not a single word of it.

Shamsie’s use of Urdu words in her work beautifully presents Pakistani culture. Words like

‘Samosas’, ‘Shukriya’, Shalwar- kameez, and many others; give a glimpse of Pakistani culture.

Despite these, with beautiful descriptions of places wherever characters used to live; Shamsie is

known as the best modern Pakistani writer. forget.Through the exploitation of the English
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language, Shamsie deliberately uses Urdu words and phrases. Her narration shows the abrogation

and appropriation of received a foreign language that also nullifies the notion that borrowed

language cannot describe one’s native culture. But Shamsie’s description stretches his characters

and Pakistani readers as well to enjoy the beautiful glimpse of Pakistani culture and traditions.

In Raqqa, when Parvaiz realizes his mistake and only wants to go to London; native language

and words draws him to his memories of the past. Memories are the best accompany he can

enjoy and the words like ‘Chimta’, ‘Bass guitar’ and ‘Dholak’, truly reflect the Pakistani

traditions and their cultural taste.

So, with the appropriation and abrogation of the English language, Shamsie inevitably uses

the Urdu language. Using her native language, she diminishes the hierarchy of foreign language.

While putting the paradoxical character of Karamat; Shamsie reveals the effect of mixed culture.

Eamonn, though tries to posh his accent extravagantly; Urdu words always be clumsy on his

tongue. Shamsie portrays the multi-lingual and multi-cultural contemporary society. Being a

Pakistani, diaspora writer; Home Fire truly reveals the effects of acculturation on the language of

immigrants.

Conclusion
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This study delves into Shamsie's exploration of acculturation in "Home Fire," a story echoing

Sophocles' "Antigone," showcasing the clash between religion and state, and the struggles faced

by Muslim minorities in navigating their identities. Shamsie sheds light on radicalization,

emphasizing vulnerability over religious ideology, while highlighting the misuse of Islam by

politicians. Characters with dual nationality exemplify the conflict between adopting a foreign

culture and retaining native traditions. Karamat Lone's paradoxical character mirrors King

Creon's rigidity in denying essential rights.

The novel, a portrayal of a multi-ethnic society, successfully juxtaposes characters from

native and foreign cultures. Shamsie's use of Urdu in place of English breaks down cultural

hierarchies, revealing the essence of her heritage. The contrasting linguistic retention between

Isma and Eamonn underscores the impact of acculturation. Shamsie, a Pakistani diaspora writer,

adeptly exposes contemporary societal realities, particularly the challenges faced by Muslim

minorities due to acculturation, and skillfully maneuvers between native and foreign languages

to illustrate cultural appropriation and abrogation.

Works Cited
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Gordon, Edmund. Sunday Times (n.d.).

Gramsci, Antonio. ResearchGate. 2021. 1 December 2023.

Johnson, Sarah. BookList . December 2023 <https://www.booklistonline.com/Home-Fire-Kamila-

Shamsie/pid=8898777>.

Levitin. "National Cultures, Organizational Cultures, and the Role of Management." autores, Varios.
Values and Ethics for the 21st Century. BBVA, 2012.

Sands, Sarah. "kamila Shamsie wins Women Prize forfiction for "Story of our times"." The Guardian
(2018).

Shamsie, Kamila. Homefire. UK: bloomsbury , Riverhead books, 2017.