TRAUMA AND HONOR IN PAKISTANI SOCIETY: A CASE STUDY OF THE WINTER’S TALE AND FASANA-E-AJAIB

Abstract

Shakespearean plays have the potential to bring about a social reformation by adapting and appropriating it in a relative context, as his plays provide alluring materials for the adapters around the world. As has been identified by Sharif (2021) on the Pakistani adaptation of The Winter’s Tale, that is, Fasana-e-Ajaib, which is directed by Gregory Thompson; the study has drawn parallels between the two plays and the potential for the later to address contemporary social issues of Pakistan, especially honor killings, targeted killings, and political groups/slogans. Triggered by the incident of Farzana Perveen, Fasana-e-Ajaib has the capability to highlight social issues in Pakistan. Contextualized in terms of Pakistani Society while addressing the case of Farzana Perveen, this study will compare both the plays and will probe into real life issues by demonstrating trauma and honor killing. Essentially qualitative descriptive in nature, this study uses the parameters of David Greenham Close Reading Technique (2019) and Linda Hutcheon’s Theory of Adaptation (2006 and 2012). In doing so, it will unveil the essence behind the major conflicts in both the plays, that is, The Winter’s Tale in general and Fasana-e-Ajaib in particular by questioning and addressing social issues in order to bring social reformation in a society and add to the significance of Shakespeare in addressing social/local issues.