Secularism and Religiosity in Maps for Lost Lovers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1508.13Keywords:
secularism, religiosity, generation gap, resistance, hybridityAbstract
This paper examines the concepts of secularism and religiosity portrayed by Nadeem Aslam in his novel, Maps for Lost Lovers. The story focuses on the Pakistani immigrants residing in an isolated English town. Aslam competently depicts the complicated socioeconomic issues faced by Pakistanis domestically and internationally. The town plays a crucial role, which represents secularism for certain people and religiosity for others. The perception of a place is contingent upon an individual's capacity to adapt or adhere to their native culture. The main character, Kaukab, symbolises the older generation, viewing England with an Islamic lens and expressing nostalgic longing for Pakistan and adopts cultural resistance which requires rejecting the dominant culture. However, her family dismisses her nostalgic perspectives and her cultural ideology. Conversely, they perceive England as a symbol of freedom, actively embracing its values and separating themselves from Pakistani traditions. Aslam's narrative emphasises that individuals have the agency to select between a secular or religious concept of reality, which is influenced by their cultural heritage and personal beliefs. This paper explores the complicated portrayal of secularism and religiosity in Maps for Lost Lovers, providing insight into the complexities of cultural identity, assimilation, and the immigrant experience depicted in the novel.
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