Utopia and dystopia in Nadeem Aslam’s Maps for Lost Lovers
This article explores the themes of utopia and dystopia as depicted by Nadeem Aslam in his novel, Maps for Lost Lovers which centers on the Pakistani immigrant community in a small English town.. The town serves as a critical element, a utopia for some characters and a dystopia for others. The...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
2025
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| Online Access: | http://journalarticle.ukm.my/25966/ http://journalarticle.ukm.my/25966/1/Gema_25_1_15.pdf |
| Summary: | This article explores the themes of utopia and dystopia as depicted by Nadeem Aslam in his novel,
Maps for Lost Lovers which centers on the Pakistani immigrant community in a small English
town.. The town serves as a critical element, a utopia for some characters and a dystopia for others.
The perception of the place depends on their adaptability or adherence to their original culture.
The protagonist, Kaukab, represents the older generation, perceiving England as a Dystopia while
nostalgically praising Pakistan. Despite this, her family, led by Shamas and their three children,
rejects her wistful views. Instead, they view England as their utopia, embracing its freedom and
distancing themselves from Pakistani traditions. Aslam's narrative underscores the idea that
individuals choose their utopian or dystopian world, shaped by their traditions and minds. This
article delves into the nuanced depiction of utopia and dystopia in Maps for Lost Lovers, shedding
light on the complexities of cultural identity, assimilation, and the immigrant experience in the
novel. While existing research focuses on the novel’s themes of migration, cultural conflict, and
nostalgia, this study examines how utopia and dystopia are not just external places but deeply
personal and psychological experiences |
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