Feminist aspect
"How It Happened" by Shazaf Fatima Haider, examined through a feminist lens,
offers a rich critique of patriarchal norms and explores the complexities of female
agency within the context of contemporary Pakistani society. Social norms that
sustain a social system in which men hold primary power and predominate in roles
of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of
property.The novel employs humor and satire to shed light on the gender dynamics
and societal expectations surrounding arranged marriages. Below is a detailed
analysis of the novel with reference to feminist themes:
Patriarchal Structures (male dominate society) and Control
a. The Matriarch’s Role:

Dadi, the family matriarch, upholds traditional patriarchal values,
showcasing how women can also continue these norms. Her strict
enforcement of customs related to arranged marriages highlights the
internalization and transmission of patriarchal values within families.
Despite being a woman, Dadi's authority in marriage arrangements
illustrates how deeply fixed patriarchal structures are, to the point where
women themselves become enforcers of these systems.
b. Gendered Expectations:

The novel underscores how women are judged and valued based on their
ability to conform to societal standards of beauty and behavior. Characters
like Zeba face immense pressure to meet these standards to secure a
favorable marriage, highlighting the control exerted over women's bodies
and choices. This reflects a broader critique of how patriarchal societies
commodify women, reducing their worth to their physical appearance and
marital prospects.
Female Agency and Resistance
a. Subtle Forms of Resistance:

Zeba’s character embodies resistance to patriarchal expectations through her
unwillingness to marry merely for tradition’s sake. Her desire for a marriage
based on mutual respect and love challenges the conventional norms and
signifies a push against the restrictive roles assigned to women. This form of
resistance, though not overt, underscores a feminist assertion of individual
choice and autonomy.
b. Critical Perspective of Saleha:

Saleha, the narrator, offers a modern and often critical viewpoint on the
customs surrounding arranged marriages. Her sarcastic and questioning
attitude serves as a vehicle for feminist critique, highlighting the absurdities
and injustices women endure. Through Saleha’s perspective, the novel
provides a platform for challenging the status quo and advocating for change
in how women’s roles are perceived and legislated.
Representation of Women’s Complexities
a. Nuanced Female Characters:

Haider presents women as multi-dimensional characters with their own
desires, fears, and strategies for navigating societal expectations. This
complexity allows for a richer feminist analysis, demonstrating that
women’s experiences and responses to patriarchy are varied and cannot be
reduced to a single narrative. The depiction of women as active agents,
rather than passive victims, underscores the novel's feminist approach.
b. Balancing Tradition and Modernity:

The struggle between adhering to traditional norms and embracing modern
values is a recurring theme. Characters like Zeba and Saleha represent the
younger generation’s attempts to balance respect for tradition with a desire
for personal freedom and equality. This tension highlights the ongoing
negotiation of gender roles and expectations in contemporary society.
Humor as Feminist Critique
a. Satirical Examination of Customs:

The novel uses humor and satire to critique traditional practices associated
with arranged marriages. By exposing the contradictions and absurdities of
these customs, Haider encourages readers to question and reflect on the
gender biases that underpin them. This satirical approach makes the feminist
critique more engaging and accessible, allowing readers to connect with the
issues on a deeper level.
b. Relatability and Reflection:

The humor in the novel makes its feminist messages more relatable and less
didactic. By presenting serious issues in a light-hearted manner, Haider
invites readers to laugh at and simultaneously critique the patriarchal norms.
This method effectively demystifies feminist ideas and makes them more
approachable, particularly for readers who might be resistant to overtly
serious critiques.
Intergenerational Feminist Dialogue
a. Contrast Between Generations:

The novel highlights the contrast between Dadi’s traditional views and the
more progressive attitudes of characters like Zeba and Saleha. This
intergenerational conflict reflects the evolving nature of feminist thought and
the gradual shift towards greater gender equality. It also underscores the
tension between respecting cultural heritage and advocating for individual
autonomy and rights.
b. Evolution of Gender Roles:

The interactions between characters from different generations showcase the
changing dynamics of gender roles. The younger generation's resistance and
questioning of traditional norms indicate a broader societal shift towards
more egalitarian views on gender. This evolution is a central theme in
feminist discourse, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for women’s rights
and equality.
Conclusion
"How It Happened" by Shazaf Fatima Haider provides a compelling feminist
critique of the patriarchal norms surrounding arranged marriages in Pakistani
society. Through its multi-dimensional characters, humor, and critical perspectives,
the novel explores the complexities of female agency and resistance. It highlights
the tension between tradition and modernity, the nuanced experiences of women,
and the evolving nature of gender roles. By doing so, Haider not only entertains
but also provokes critical reflection on the status quo, advocating subtly yet
powerfully for greater gender equality and personal freedom