Browsing by Author "Javeria Batool"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    A socio-cultural analysis of the figures of fairy and giant in the selected fairy tales of Pakistan and united kingdom
    (UMT, Lahore, 2021) Javeria Batool
    This research explores the figures of Fairy and Giant in the selected Short Stories of Pakistan: “Prince Bairam and the Fairy Bride”, “Syedani Bi”, “The Brave Princess” and United Kingdom: A visit to Fairyland”, “Sleeping Beauty” and “the selfish Giant” by applying the Theory of Memetics on the mythical creatures Fairy and Giant. The method implies that one considers these creatures a meme (the unit of a cultural artifact) and hence believe in its evolution, the research will follow the cultural and social significance of these creatures and touching upon the geographical and social factors that play an important role in their characterization. This research discusses how these creatures are morphed in different narratives influenced by the culture and its ideals. The purpose of the research is to prove the characters of Giants and Fairy as a meme, with the help of the Theory of Memetics and discovering the evolution that occurs with a cultural shift. It is a qualitative research which is analysing primary texts through secondary texts available on the theory of memetics.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Commodification, reification, and power dynamics
    (UMT Lahore, 2024) Javeria Batool
    This thesis embarks on a comprehensive inquiry of Six of Crows duology an epic saga by Leigh Bardugo. It meticulously adopts a post-Marxist lens to deconstruct the exploitation of the characters through commodification, reification, and power dynamics, predominant in the capitalist society. Hermann theorizes commodification as the phenomenon of market value dominating the practical value. Lukács contends that the commodification of interpersonal interactions leads to the reification of consciousness. According to Michel Foucault, the concept of power dynamics in relational contexts is an exertion of influence upon the actions that are currently in motion, those that may potentially manifest in the present, and those that may arise in the future. Within the Six of Crows duology, the characters engage in self commodification and endure maltreatment emblematic of the solidified social order, accentuating the nuanced power dynamics inherent in the narrative. The thesis reveals that characters such as Inej and Grisha are contested commodities and, thus, exploited, alienated, and objectified. Kaz Brekker’s reified consciousness contributes to his objectified view of relationships. The capitalist power dynamics propose that the acts of resistance by Inej and Kaz alike can disrupt present power structures fostering transformative change within the oppressive system. This inquiry validates the relevance of post-Marxist thought and develops a deeper understanding of the socio-political dimensions entrenched in modern fantasy literature.