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  1. Lucifer
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    Lucifer better to reign in hell than to serve in heaven
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    The chorus in Final Solution play the role of observer, narrator, voice of conscience and in times of blood-lust, participants. Dattani uses chorus to directly address the audience and help them visualize the action. He also uses it to look back at the main character and show his role in the play. CRead more

    The chorus in Final Solution play the role of observer, narrator, voice of conscience and in times of blood-lust, participants. Dattani uses chorus to directly address the audience and help them visualize the action. He also uses it to look back at the main character and show his role in the play. Chorus helps to show how the events of the play can not be understood in isolation from each other.

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  1. In "Final Solutions" by Mahesh K. Dattani, Hardika is a character who plays a significant role in the play. Hardika is also known as Daksha in the play. She is an elderly Hindu woman who lives with her son Ramnik and daughter-in-law Aruna in a house in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Here is a more detailed expRead more

    In “Final Solutions” by Mahesh K. Dattani, Hardika is a character who plays a significant role in the play. Hardika is also known as Daksha in the play. She is an elderly Hindu woman who lives with her son Ramnik and daughter-in-law Aruna in a house in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Here is a more detailed explanation of who Hardika is in the play:

    1. Historical Context: Hardika is a character who lived through the partition of India in 1947, which led to the division of the country into India and Pakistan. Her hometown, Hussainabad, became a part of Pakistan during the partition, and her father was murdered during the violence that ensued.

    2. Animosity towards Muslims: Hardika still harbors resentment towards Muslims due to the events that happened in her life following the partition. She protests against Bobby and Javed’s presence in her home, as they are Muslims. Through the character of Daksha, the audience learns about the two factors that are the source of Hardika’s animosity towards Muslims.

    3. Flashbacks: The play features flashbacks that provide historical depth to the theme of communal tension. These flashbacks feature Hardika at the age of fifteen in 1948 and her experience in the aftermath of the partition, which returns to her memory at different points of the play.

    4. Family Dynamics: Hardika’s son Ramnik is a secular Hindu who is much more hospitable to the Muslim boy, Javed. However, Ramnik’s kindness is partly driven by the guilt he feels over running the business his father established by cheating Zarine’s family after partition. Ramnik’s wife Aruna is a deeply devout woman who feels extremely uncomfortable with Muslims sitting in her home and drinking water from the same glasses. She believes that their touching is polluting.

    In summary, Hardika is an elderly Hindu woman who lived through the partition of India and still harbors resentment towards Muslims due to the events that happened in her life following the partition. Her character serves as a representation of the deep-rooted prejudices and biases that exist between different religious communities in India.

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  1. "Final Solutions" by Mahesh K. Dattani embodies a powerful critique of communalism and its impact on Indian society. The play explores the deep-rooted prejudices and biases that exist between different religious communities and the destructive consequences of communal tensions. Here is a more detailRead more

    “Final Solutions” by Mahesh K. Dattani embodies a powerful critique of communalism and its impact on Indian society. The play explores the deep-rooted prejudices and biases that exist between different religious communities and the destructive consequences of communal tensions. Here is a more detailed explanation of what the play embodies:

    1. Critique of Communalism: “Final Solutions” embodies a critique of communalism, which refers to the division and conflicts between different religious communities. The play exposes the harmful effects of communal tensions and the prejudices that fuel them, shedding light on the need for communal harmony and understanding.

    2. Advocacy for Empathy and Understanding: The play embodies an advocacy for empathy and understanding between different religious communities. It emphasizes the importance of transcending communal boundaries and working towards a more inclusive and harmonious society.

    3. Call for Social Change: “Final Solutions” embodies a call for social change to address the challenges of communalism and promote a more inclusive and empathetic society. The play highlights the need for political and social change to overcome the social maladies that hinder communal harmony and understanding.

    4. Historical Context: The play embodies the historical context of events like the partition of India and the Babri Masjid demolition, which continue to shape societal attitudes and contribute to ongoing tensions. It encourages a critical examination of history and its influence on present-day social maladies.

    5. Exploration of Complex Characters: “Final Solutions” embodies an exploration of complex and multi-dimensional characters who defy the narrow expectations associated with their religious backgrounds. The play challenges stereotypes and prejudices by presenting characters who are nuanced and multi-faceted.

    6. Social Commentary: The play embodies a social commentary on the state of Indian society and the impact of communalism on individuals and communities. It raises awareness about the urgent need to address and overcome these divisions in society.

    In summary, “Final Solutions” by Mahesh K. Dattani embodies a powerful critique of communalism and its impact on Indian society. The play advocates for empathy and understanding between different religious communities and calls for social change to promote a more inclusive and harmonious society. It explores complex characters and serves as a social commentary on the state of Indian society.

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  1. The play Final Solutions, written by Mahesh K. Dattani discusses the theme of communal riots, hatred and bitterness of Hindus and Muslims against each other. The plot is set in Gujarat (after the 2002 Riots). The communal hatred is at peak. It can be seen when we find Hindu mob chasing Javed and BobRead more

    The play Final Solutions, written by Mahesh K. Dattani discusses the theme of communal riots, hatred and bitterness of Hindus and Muslims against each other. The plot is set in Gujarat (after the 2002 Riots). The communal hatred is at peak. It can be seen when we find Hindu mob chasing Javed and Bobby after knowing that they are Muslims.

    Next, we also come to know other complex stories like love affair of Smita (who is a Hindu) and Bobby, Javed’s story of adopting extremist way, Ramanik’s grabbing of Javed’s land (after burning his shop) etc.

    We find that Ramanik blames Javed and his community and vice versa. But deep inside, Ramanik’s conscience does not allow him to live in peace because of the sin which he committed in the past.

    There is another issue which is discussed in the play. It is the orthodoxy which is inherited among the believers of every religion. They consider people from other communities as untouchables. Aruna’s denying Bobby and Javed from spending night at their home depicts this.

    So, throughout the play, we find ample of problems and the playwright has not given any solution. Instead, he has let the audience to decide. Hence, the final solutions are, in real, no solutions to these communal problems. We people need to know what makes us hate others.

    Read summary of this play.

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  1. "Final Solutions" by Mahesh K. Dattani can be interpreted as a political play due to its exploration of the theme of communalism and its impact on Indian society. The play was written and performed in 1993, a period of high tension and violence in urban India, and was a response to the Babri MasjidRead more

    “Final Solutions” by Mahesh K. Dattani can be interpreted as a political play due to its exploration of the theme of communalism and its impact on Indian society. The play was written and performed in 1993, a period of high tension and violence in urban India, and was a response to the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992. Here is a more detailed explanation of how “Final Solutions” can be seen as a political play:

    1. Historical Context: The play is set against the backdrop of historical events such as the partition of India in 1947 and the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992. These events serve as catalysts for communal tensions and shape the characters’ experiences and perspectives.
    2. Critique of Political Leaders: “Final Solutions” critiques the role of political leaders in perpetuating communal tensions for their own gain. The play exposes how politicians and other influential figures exploit communal divisions to further their own agendas, perpetuating the cycle of communalism for personal or political interests.
    3. Power Dynamics: The play also touches upon power dynamics within communities and the manipulation of communal tensions for personal or political gain. It exposes the ways in which individuals and groups exploit communal divisions for their own interests.
    4. Advocacy for Communal Harmony: Despite its political critique, “Final Solutions” also advocates for communal harmony. The play emphasizes the need for empathy, understanding, and acceptance to bridge the divides between religious communities. It suggests that true resolution can only be achieved by transcending communal boundaries and working towards a more inclusive and harmonious society.
    5. Social Commentary: The play serves as a social commentary on the state of Indian society and the impact of communalism on individuals and communities. It raises awareness about the urgent need to address and overcome these divisions in society.

    In summary, “Final Solutions” can be seen as a political play due to its exploration of the theme of communalism, its critique of political leaders, its commentary on power dynamics, its advocacy for communal harmony, and its social commentary on Indian society. The play highlights the need for political and social change to address the challenges of communalism and promote a more inclusive and harmonious society.

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  1. "Final Solutions" by Mahesh K. Dattani explores several themes that shed light on the complexities of Indian society and the impact of communal tensions. Some of the prominent themes in the play include: Communalism: The play delves into the theme of communalism, highlighting the deep-rooted prejudiRead more

    “Final Solutions” by Mahesh K. Dattani explores several themes that shed light on the complexities of Indian society and the impact of communal tensions. Some of the prominent themes in the play include:

    1. Communalism: The play delves into the theme of communalism, highlighting the deep-rooted prejudices and biases that exist between different religious communities. It explores the destructive consequences of communal tensions and the urgent need for communal harmony.
    2. Identity and Belonging: The characters in the play grapple with questions of identity and belonging, particularly in the context of their religious backgrounds. They struggle to reconcile their individual identities with the larger communal identities imposed upon them by society.
    3. Prejudice and Stereotypes: Dattani addresses the issue of prejudice and stereotypes prevalent in society. The play challenges these stereotypes by presenting complex and multi-dimensional characters who defy the narrow expectations associated with their religious backgrounds.
    4. Intergenerational Trauma: The play explores the lasting impact of historical events, such as the partition of India, on individuals and communities. It examines how the trauma of the past is transmitted across generations and shapes the present.
    5. Empathy and Understanding: Dattani emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in overcoming communal tensions. The play suggests that true resolution can only be achieved through acceptance and a willingness to understand the perspectives of others.
    6. Power Dynamics: The play also touches upon power dynamics within communities and the manipulation of communal tensions for personal or political gain. It exposes the ways in which individuals and groups exploit communal divisions for their own interests.
    7. Memory and History: “Final Solutions” explores the role of memory and history in shaping individual and collective identities. It highlights the need to confront and acknowledge the past in order to move towards a more harmonious future.
    These themes collectively contribute to a nuanced exploration of communal tensions and the complexities of Indian society. Dattani’s play encourages introspection and calls for a more inclusive and empathetic approach to address the challenges of communalism.
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  1. A.K. Ramanujan was born in India and later on went to USA and married a Syrian Christian girl. Hence after coming back to home, he started to see the society with a different perspective. He calls his father greedy and emotionless though he made other believe that he has special powers (as he was aRead more

    A.K. Ramanujan was born in India and later on went to USA and married a Syrian Christian girl. Hence after coming back to home, he started to see the society with a different perspective. He calls his father greedy and emotionless though he made other believe that he has special powers (as he was a Brahmin).

    The poet also seems to be disappointed with the patriarchal nature of the society because after the death of his father, the burden of family was laid on him. He had to feed an old mother, an unmarried sister and a young child.

    After the funeral, the body is cremated. The poet believes that it pollutes the air. The priest suggests to throw remains in the water which again disappoints the poet because it pollutes the water bodies.

    And finally he does not like the practice of celebrating the death anniversary of his father for the peace of soul. He considers it as a waste of money and time.

    Read summary of this poem

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  1. The poet describes some customs and traditions of Indian society and particularly of Brahmins. First, he talks about the problems of patriarchy. After the untimely death of his father, the whole burden of his family came on him including depts of his father. Next, he explains how Brahmins consider tRead more

    The poet describes some customs and traditions of Indian society and particularly of Brahmins. First, he talks about the problems of patriarchy. After the untimely death of his father, the whole burden of his family came on him including depts of his father.

    Next, he explains how Brahmins consider themselves as the holders of divine knowledge. However in reality they are like any ordinary human. He says so because his father died of a heart attack in market.

    Finally he also talks about the after funeral practices. The body is cremated (which pollutes air), remains are thrown in water (which pollutes water bodies) and the poet is supposed to celebrate death anniversary every year (which includes useless expenditure of money).

    Read summary of this poem.

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