124,178 hits

Characters of Mahesh Dattani’s “Final Solutions”

Daksha (Hardika): Daksha is a complex character that changes throughout time. She starts off as a newlywed in 1948, representing the hopes and disappointments of a lot of women in her generation. Her connection with Zarine and her aspirations for a singing career allude to the unrealized potential stifled by social conventions. She represents ingrained prejudices in the present as an elderly woman, a reflection of the enduring influence of past events and individual experiences.

Advertisements

Smita: Smita, Daksha’s granddaughter, is a bridge between the past and the present. Her character showcases the changing dynamics and challenges faced by the younger generation. Smita’s bold defense of her association with Javed and Bobby highlights generational conflicts and the struggle for understanding amidst communal tensions.

Advertisements

Ramanik: As Smita’s father and Daksha’s son, Ramanik grapples with conflicting loyalties. His attempts to protect Javed and Bobby from the mob while simultaneously dealing with his wife’s apprehensions reflect the complexity of familial relationships in the face of communal strife. Ramanik’s character also undergoes a shift as he listens to Javed’s story, leading to a moment of empathy and reflection.

Advertisements

Aruna: Aruna, Ramanik’s wife and Smita’s mother, embodies traditional values and religious prejudices. Her resistance to having Muslims in her house and her strict adherence to religious norms contribute to the tension within the family. Aruna’s character serves as a representation of conservative ideologies that persist despite changing times.

Advertisements

Javed: Javed is a pivotal character whose past involvement with a terrorist organization adds layers to the narrative. His internal conflict, revealed through his change of heart during the attempted act of violence, challenges stereotypes and explores the complexity of individual choices. Javed’s interactions with Ramanik and Smita provide insight into the human side of those labeled as ‘the other.’

Bobby: Bobby, engaged to Tasneem, plays a crucial role in unraveling the personal histories of the characters. His account of Javed’s past actions and his connection with Smita adds depth to the exploration of relationships across religious divides.

Advertisements

Tasneem: Although not physically present, Tasneem’s character is essential in linking different characters and providing information crucial to the plot. Her engagement to Bobby serves as a link between the two communities, highlighting the intertwined nature of personal relationships and communal tensions.

Hardika (Old Woman): Hardika, in her old age, represents the lingering effects of past events on individual perceptions. Her recollections of personal conflicts and her wishes for suffering upon Javed’s sister underscore the enduring impact of communal hatred.

Advertisements

Zarine: Zarine, Daksha’s friend from her youth, symbolizes lost dreams and unfulfilled potential. Her influence on Daksha’s memories reflects the impact of relationships and shared experiences on shaping individual perspectives.

The Mob: The faceless mob represents the collective communal tensions in society. Their presence intensifies the urgency of the unfolding events and serves as a powerful symbol of the destructive potential of unchecked prejudices.

Advertisements

These characters contribute to the rich tapestry of “Final Solutions,” exploring themes of communalism, family dynamics, personal conflicts, and the complexities of coexistence in a diverse society.

Advertisements

  • Comprehension Passage: The Secret Garden Adventure Emma had always been curious about the old garden behind her grandmother’s house. For as long as she could remember, the garden had been surrounded by tall iron gates that creaked whenever the wind blew. Stories of hidden treasures and magical flowers had floated around the family for generations.…


  • W. E. B. Du Bois’ essay on “Double Consciousness” is one of the most important explorations of the African American experience in the United States. Written as part of his 1903 work The Souls of Black Folk, the essay examines the inner and outer struggles faced by Black Americans living in a society dominated by…


  • The instructor said,       Go home and write       a page tonight.       And let that page come out of you—       Then, it will be true. I wonder if it’s that simple? I am twenty-two, colored, born in Winston-Salem.    I went to school there, then Durham, then here    to this college on the hill above Harlem.    I am…


  • Abortions will not let you forget.You remember the children you got that you did not get,The damp small pulps with a little or with no hair,The singers and workers that never handled the air.You will never neglect or beatThem, or silence or buy with a sweet.You will never wind up the sucking-thumbOr scuttle off ghosts…


Leave a Reply

Discover more from The Educator Online

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading