ECHA ADAM MUKSIT
03SIGP006
201010600437
LITERARY CRITISM
CHARACTER ANALYSIS IN MANAR OF HAMA
BY MOHJA KHAF
Mohja Kahf is a "Syrian-American poet, novelist, and professor" who was
born in 19 67. "Manar of Hama" is a famous work created by Mohja Kahf, a short
story tells about a protagonist who tries to adjust to his new life in the United States
after being exiled from his native Syria. This story depicts the situation experienced
by Kahf herself, as a Syrian-American woman in the United States. Then the main
character in this story faces accepting a new culture, and over time she begins to
accept little by little about the culture there and begins to feel the eternal comfort
there, the United States of America.
CHARACTER ANALYSIS
1. Qoutation from Manar of Hama by Mohja Kahf
‘This was unreal. I had never done anything like this in my life. Come
running across a meadow to total strangers. Sat down to eatwith people
whose families and faiths I do not know.” (P.115, 4th paragraph).
In the quote in that paragraph, the main character feels the difference that
she feels when she gathers with strangers across the street and sits down to eat food
with them which she cannot or she has not met where she lived before.
From the quote, you can see how Manar was surprised by this. Because in
Syria Manar had never done anything like that before and in the place where she
lives now, the United States she felt and did it for the first time in his life. This
quote refers to the theory of diaspora, a concept of an adaptation of culture of
someone from their homeland culture into the hostland culture (Hall, 1990). We
often encounter this in the real world, especially for an immigrant like Manar, here
Manar finally gathers with the others and eats with them.
From this quote it is clear that Manner's character is someone who has had
a completely new and unusual experience. She felt that what was happening was
not real to her. She revealed that she had never done anything like this in his life.
Manar suddenly ran through the steppe and suddenly approached people she did not
know. She sits with people who know neither his family nor his religious beliefs.
This shows that Manar is going through a big change in her life and faces a different
situation than before. She may have traveled to a new place or been banished to a
new place, forcing her to leave his comfort zone and face unfamiliar social
situations.
2. Qoutation from Manar of Hama by Mohja Kahf
“one I don’t understand. They do things that make the hair go white as if
these were normal things to do. Boys talking to girls, girls talking to boys
in school and sitting next to them. Even Khalid is shocked sometimes.”
(P.111, 3rd Paragraph).
In this quote, Manar doesn't understand one thing: when her children start
changing their hair color to follow the kids there, and Manar also doesn't understand
that in America, children who go to school there talk to each other like men talk.
with women and sitting next to them and that is normal in America. Back in his
former residence in Damascus, it was outrageous that children changed their hair
color, boys and girls talked to each other, and at school sit next to each other.
From the above quota it can be seen that children from Manar themselves
are influenced by cultural identity in America, which is explained in the quotation
if they change their hair color to white as if it were normal. From the quotation
refers to the theory of cultural identity. Hall (1990) states, this cultural identity can
be interpreted as a form of cultural mixing from one diaspora individual or someone
who has two contrasting cultural backgrounds, it describes how a someone's
cultural experience is distorted by a new culture in a new place which then
influences shifts and changes in one's behavior, either in a positive or negative
direction. From this, it can be said that Manar's children have been distorted by the
new culture in the United States, which then changed their behavior both in positive
and negative terms.
From this quote, it is clear that Manar's character is someone who has a
different cultural understanding of his new environment. She feels that behaviors
and behaviors that others consider normal are incomprehensible and
incomprehensible to her. She said she had been shocked by what others had done
and had even had her hair turn gray because she felt it wasn't normal. For example,
boys talk to girls and vice versa sit next to each other at school. Even Khalid, one
of the characters in the story, is shocked by these acts. This indicates that Manar are
still in the stage of adapting to the new culture of their environment, which may
have different social norms than the culture of their origin. She cannot understand
and accept these differences, which makes her feel alienated and different from
others.
3. Qoutation from Manar of Hama by Mohja Kahf
“I have no one to talk to.” (P.112, 1st Paragraph).
In the quote above, Manar feels that she doesn't have anyone to talk to, she
feels alienated in the new place where she lives. Manar and his family live in
America assisted by an Arab family who lives there because of them, Manar gets
permission to enter America, and thanks to them Khalid also gets a job there.
However, Manar feels that the engineer's wife is considered a fool, this can be
reinforced in this story and the quote is found in P.112, 1st paragraph, “Treats me as
if I were an ignoramus.” (P.112, 1st paragraph).
From the two quotes above on the same page, in the first quote Manar gets
a stigma response; lonely where she feels alienated not having anyone in the place
she lives now to talk to, besides that Manar also gets racial stigma from the engineer
wife, where she is treated as if she is an idiot. This stigma was put forward by Erving
Goffman, Goffman (1963.3) defines a stigma as a "highly discrediting attribute". A
characteristic that is considered unreliable can easily be seen, such as a person's
skin color or body size, or can be hidden but still unreliable if exposed, such as a
criminal record or difficulties with mental health problems.
In this quote, the character Manar is described as a woman who feels lonely
and has no one to talk to. This expression suggests the sense of isolation and
loneliness Manar feels in his new surroundings. Perhaps it is because she is in a
strange place, does not have close acquaintances or relatives nearby, and feels like
there is no one with whom to communicate and share his feelings and thoughts.
This highlights the importance of having social connections and emotional support
in everyday life, and Manar can feel lost and isolated in such situations.
4. Qoutation from Manar of Hama by Mohja Kahf
“When we left Syria months ago, my family had just been killed in the Hama
massacre,” (P. 112, 2nd Paragraph).
In this quote, it describes the tragedy experienced by the character Manar,
where her family becomes victims in the incident. After arriving in Damascus,
Manar waits for good news from her parents, friends, neighbors, and everyone else,
and when Manar receives the news, it reaches her as devastating news that her
parents, siblings, and their three children have passed away. This becomes a
traumatic experience for Manar as she has to go through such a heartbreaking
ordeal.
In that quote, Manar also recalls the trauma and dark events she experienced
in Syria. Caruth (1995) define that trauma is somekind of impact which still
resonantes with our mind or mental state until the present time. It could happen
because of any sort of events, especially negative events such as car crash, abuse,
war and etc. Due to these experiences, Manar feels alienation and suffers severe
trauma as a result of the events.
In this quote, Manar is portrayed as a woman who has experienced
great tragedy in her life. She said she had just been killed in the Hama massacre
when her family left Syria months ago. This statement shows that Manal lost her
family through a very traumatic and tragic event.
Ms. Manar may be devastated, emotionally hurt, and deeply saddened by
such a significant loss in her life. This experience probably had a profound effect
on her, dramatically changing her life and affecting her view and perception of the
world around her. Although not elaborated on in this quote, it is safe to assume that
Manar experienced a traumatic event of violence and profound loss that changed
her life forever. This could explain why she has lost her family and possibly
her former social networks and support systems and is feeling alone and lonely.
5. Qoutation from Manar of Hama by Mohja Kahf
“The food here is terrible. The meat smells disgusting. There is no
real bread, or coffee, or olives, or cheese. They have a nasty yellow
kind of cheese and even the milk—Khalid says make cheese yourself
if there is no cheese, but even the milk is tasteless.” (P.111, 1st paragraph).
In the above quote, Manar, as the main character in the story, compares the food in
her previous place of residence to that in America, which does not meet her
expectations. It is emphasized in the quote that the food there is bad, with a
disgusting smell of meat, and even the milk there has no taste or is bland.
In the above quote, Manar portrays the difference between the food in
America, where she currently resides, and the food in Syria, her previous place of
residence. This quote reflects the concept of diaspora, as discussed by Fitria (2022)
in her journal article titled "DOUBLENESS IDENTITY OF DIASPORA IN
RANDA". Fitria (2022) states that a diaspora individual must struggle to identify
themselves with the culture of the place they live, while simultaneously being
influenced by the cultural homeland, as Manar does when comparing the food in
America with Syria. This adjustment to the new culture in the hostland is necessary.
Furthermore, in the following paragraph, Khalid consistently reassures Manar that
she will get used to the food there.
In this quote, the character Manar, as a woman, expresses her dissatisfaction
with the food in her new settlement. She states that the food there is terrible. The
meat has a foul odor. Running out of real bread, coffee, olives, and cheese. The
cheeses available are generally described as yellow varieties and even milk - they
recommend making cheese if milk is not available - is bland in taste. In this quote,
Manar is portrayed as someone who craves the food and flavors of his native Syria.
She compares the food in her new home to what she used to enjoy. This difference
highlights the difficulties Manners faces in adapting to different foods and food
cultures in her new surroundings. She misses the nostalgic flavors and quality
food she enjoyed in Syria. This reflects the feeling of alienation that still resonates
in Manar and her longing for her homeland.
6. Qoutation from Manar of Hama by Mohja Kahf
“I cried out madly in love and pain. Someone here in Sonora Falls, Illinois, speaks
my language!” (P.114, 4th paragraph)
The quota above Manar felt touched and hurt emotionally, that there was
someone who spoke the same language as Manar there. This illustrates that there
were other immigrants besides Manar there, she felt happy and shed tears of joy.
From this quote, Manar was aware of his past, where she was previously in
Syria, where Syria was a Muslim country where people always chanted dhikr to the
almighty.
In this quote, Manar's character as a woman is portrayed as going through
an intense surge of emotion when she discovers someone who speaks her language
in Sonora Falls, Illinois. Her reaction of screaming madly in her love and pain
suggests her deep yearning and the mixed emotions that overwhelm her. This
encounter with someone who shares her language brings a sense of connection and
intimacy, making it a comforting and affirming experience for Manar.
From this quote, we can conclude that Manar feels isolated in her new
environment due to her language barrier and that she probably feels a lack of
understanding. Finding someone who speaks her language gives her a glimmer of
hope and a sense of belonging. This underscores her desire to connect and find a
home and a sense of familiarity, even among the challenges of adapting to a new
culture.
7. Qoutation from Manar of Hama by Mohja Kahf
“I, Manar Abdalqader Sharbakly of Hama, had walked
into a den of gypsies! I backed away in terror, but someone came up
behind me and touched my shoulder. A man—touching me!”
(P.114, 5th paragraph)
In the excerpt, Manar Abdalqader Sharbakly, a woman from Hama, was
shocked and frightened when she realized that she had joined a group of traveling
families. Her reactions of terror and fear reflect the discomfort and uncertainty she
feels in unfamiliar situations.
However, when someone approached her and touched her shoulder, Manar's
feelings of fear increased. The touch is interpreted as an invasion of his body,
especially because of the emphasis on the words "man" and "touching me" in the
quote. This reflects the violation of the boundaries of the female body, especially
in the context of migration and cultural displacement.
When relating it to the idea of "Writing Migration through the Female
Body" by Emma Bond, it can be seen that the quote reflects the experiences of
migrant women dealing with cultural changes and their bodies as a battleground for
power. Women's bodies in the context of migration often become centers of
conflict, where discomfort, anxiety, and violation of body boundaries are
experiences they may encounter.
This analysis shows how the bodies of migrant women, such as those of
Manar, can become a focal point in negotiating identity, power, and cultural change.
They must deal with feelings of alienation, fear, and bodily violations in the process
of adaptation and search for their place in a new culture.
8. Qoutation from Manar of Hama by Mohja Kahf
“All that week I felt I was in a horrible dream. Surely someone
was about to wake me, tell me it was all untrue.”
(P. 113, 2nd Paragraph)
The quote above describes Manar's feelings as if he had been in a terrible
dream for a week. He felt that maybe someone would wake him up and tell him
none of that was true. This quote reflects the trauma experienced by Manar and can
be related to the theory of trauma put forward by Cathy Caruth.
Trauma theory by Cathy Caruth focuses on traumatic experiences and their
impact on individuals. According to Caruth, trauma is an event that goes beyond a
person's ability to understand, assimilate, and express that experience. When
someone experiences trauma, they may feel disconnected from time and reality, and
the traumatic event itself can feel unreal or untrue.
In the context of this quote, Manar feels the sensation that what is happening
to him is not real or not true. He wished that someone would wake him up from this
nightmare and tell him that everything wasn't true. It reflects the experience of
dissociation and the feeling of disconnection from reality that often occurs in
traumatized individuals.
This analysis shows how the quote describes Manar's traumatic experience.
This refers to Caruth's trauma theory which suggests that trauma can create a
sensation of unreality and untruth in the mind of the individual affected.
9. Qoutation from Manar of Hama by Mohja Kahf
“It is real. It happened. Even if I am surrounded by people who have never
heard of it. Hama: blank stares. Asad: blank stares. Syria: blank stares. A
government that would gun down twenty thousand of its own citizens: blank
stares and nervous shifting of eyes.” (P.112, 2nd Paragraph)
The above quote describes the feelings of frustration and loneliness
experienced by Manar when she tries to share the tragedy experienced by the city
of Hama with the people around him. This quote illustrates the limited response or
even the lack of understanding and knowledge of those closest to the tragedies that
occurred in Syria, such as Hama and the Asad government which killed tens of
thousands of its citizens.
This analysis challenges Manar's role as a woman who feels isolated in this
situation. Although she tries to share experiences and events that are very important
in his life, the people around her do not have sufficient understanding or even show
minimal interest. This can reflect the social isolation and confusion often
experienced by trauma victims or individuals from different backgrounds in society
who do not understand or recognize their experiences.
Manar's character as a woman in this quote faces ignorance and indifference
from the people around her. Their inability to understand or respond properly to
Manar's experience illustrates the general public's unconsciousness or ignorance of
the situations faced by individuals who have experienced trauma or are living in a
conflict context. The feelings of loneliness and frustration experienced by Manar
reflect the social and emotional impact that often occurs on women who face
ignorance or disinterest from the society around them.
The quote reflects Manar's traumatic experience and the limited response
from those around her. According to Cathy Caruth's theory of trauma, traumatic
experiences exceed our ability to fully comprehend or express them. Manar's
attempts to share her tragic experiences are met with blank stares and a lack of
understanding from others. This represents the disconnection that trauma survivors
often face, as their experiences may be incomprehensible to those who haven't
experienced it. The lack of response from others reinforces the concept of "inability
to remember" in trauma theory, where traumatic experiences may be distorted or
not fully acknowledged. Additionally, the power dynamics and injustice of a brutal
government contribute to Manar's isolation. In Caruth's theory, structural power and
injustice can lead to dissociation and hinder the sharing of traumatic experiences.
References
Clair, Matthew (2018), Stigma., Harvard University Forthcoming in Core
Concepts in Sociology (2018)
Fitri, S., Hidayah, N,R., Arrizqina, M,J., Rahmadania, N,R. (2023).
DOUBLENESS IDENTITY OF DIASPORA IN RANDA JARRAR’S HIM, ME,
MUHAMMAD ALI
Caruth, Cathy (1995), Trauma; Explorations in Memory., The John Hopkins
University Press, Baltimore, London