123,024 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

  • Nella Larsen’s Quicksand tells the story of Helga Crane, a young biracial woman searching for a place where she feels she truly belongs. The novel explores themes of race, identity, gender, and belonging during the Harlem Renaissance era. It does not unfold as a traditional linear “adventure,” but rather as a journey through different communities,…


  • “Smoke, Lilies and Jade” opens with the narrator, a young Black man, wandering through the streets of Harlem at night. The city feels alive and dreamlike, full of music, lights, and mysterious encounters. From the beginning, Nugent immerses readers in a sensual, almost hallucinatory world, where sights, sounds, and emotions blend together. The narrator is…


  • Alain Locke’s essay “The New Negro” is less a story with a plot and more a powerful reflection on a cultural and intellectual awakening among African Americans in the early 20th century. Written during the Harlem Renaissance, Locke’s essay introduces the idea of the “New Negro”—a symbol of pride, self-respect, and determination to define one’s…


  • Frederick Douglass’s 1845 autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, is a compelling personal account of his life from his early years in slavery to his eventual escape to freedom. Written with powerful clarity and moral force, the book not only describes Douglass’s experiences but also serves as a searing indictment…


  • Death on the Nile is a classic murder mystery featuring Agatha Christie’s famous Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot. The story takes place in Egypt, mainly on a luxurious river cruise along the Nile River. The Setup Poirot is enjoying a vacation in Egypt when he meets a young, beautiful, and extremely wealthy woman named Linnet Ridgeway.…


Leave a Reply

Discover more from The Educator Online

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

Continue reading