2023

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A gynocritical examination of the unabridged journals of Sylvia Plath and the bell jar
(UMT, Lahore, 2023) Hamna Sajjad
This research aims to explore The Bell Jar (1963) and selected pages of The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath (1982) through the lens of Gynocriticism. Gynocriticism is a feminist literary theory, proposed by Elaine Showalter in the article Towards a Feminist Poetics (1986). It is the analysis of female writers’ texts, including the traditions, and societal conditions that influence their writing. Showalter proposed four models in this theory, linguistic, biological, cultural, and psychoanalytic. These models aid in the analysis of the texts. However, this research is only concerned with biological and psychoanalytic models. The biological model focuses on how a female body marks itself upon the text. Moreover, the psychoanalytic model focuses on the female psyche. The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath manifests the life of Sylvia Plath, who wrote about herself as an illustration of all those women of 1950s America, who were struggling for their individuality. Secondly, in The Bell Jar, she speaks her heart out by using the character of Esther, a young student struggling with her career which leads her toward mental illness. By looking at all these aspects, the researcher will try to compare and contrast Sylvia Plath with the character of Esther. In what manner do both these texts offer an understanding of the world of women writers, their writing style, and the central themes they explore? Overall, this research is a portrayal of how the expectations of society and the human mind create chaos in women's lives and lead to the stages of alienation, anxiety, and self-hatred.
Representation of parental figures
(UMT, Lahore, 2023) Manahil Inam
This study aims to examine some of the children’s trendy nursery rhymes from YouTube channels; “Cocomelon” and “ChuChu Tv” in order to examine the portrayal of parental figures and their roles while utilizing various modes of communication through which they are being showcased to young children. Thus, this study will seek the answers concerning the following research questions; 1. What is the purpose of portraying parental figures in YouTube nursery rhymes? 2. How are parental figures represented in YouTube nursery rhymes through language, visual and auditory modes of communication. This study has incorporated Kress (2009) theory of multimodal discourse analysis as the theoretical framework. Ten nursery rhyme songs from the YouTube channels; Cocomelon and ChuChu Tv’s have been selected for this study through purposive sampling. For data collection procedure, qualitative observation has been carried and descriptive research design has been incorporated as this study has chosen already existing YouTube nursery rhymes videos as the research tool to gather the answers. The results revealed that parental figures are frequently portrayed in nursery rhymes as great role models, nurturers, guardians and teachers for their children. They are always available to offer emotional support and build a caring atmosphere for their children. The multimodal nursery rhymes were found to be fostering pleasing associations in the minds of kids by associating the parents with enjoyable and pleasurable activities. Depiction of parents also makes the context relatable for children and is a source of learning. It was also found that visual, language and audio modes of communication were skillfully incorporated in these nursery rhymes simultaneously. Future researches can be done on cultural variations in nursery rhymes, and evolution of nursery rhyme songs.
Generational perspectives of gas lighting in the shadow of the crescent moon by Fatima Bhutto
(UMT, Lahore, 2023) Ehsan Elahi
Since the beginning of the war on terror, Pak-Afghan relations have not been functioning properly. This has destabilized Pakistan internally, especially Pakhtoons, foreign attacks on their lands have made them hostile to the Pakistani government. Although national solidarity makes its way toward this issue, the conditions of both sides should be involved while taking drastic measures. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of the war on terror on the psyche of the people and how it changed their perspective toward the state. Throughout the novel, the characters like Mina, Sikandar, Samara, and several others characters are going through psychological pressures because of war. It also highlights the state manipulation and how it is playing a puppet in the hands of the elite class and especially for America to get political and economic support and put the life of their people in danger. The state failed to protect the fundamental right of the people who were living near the Afghan border. The novel Shadow of the Crescent Moon gracefully highlights the problem and suffering of the people and the state’s failure for not taking any steps for them. The novel presents Pakistan as a state where lawlessness is abundant and fundamental rights are seized. This research tries to answer the questions regarding the issues of the people of FATA and Waziristan and their desires for freedom. The qualitative research method is used for data analysis and several scholars’ perspectives are analyzed with the theory of cultural hegemony. This research would hopefully answer all the questions which are raised in the research. The answers would hopefully explain the questions that are long due in these lines.
A Freudian analysis
(UMT, Lahore, 2023) Maheen Babar
It is assumed that most of one’s actions are governed by one’s unconscious which makes it an important as well as dangerous part of one’s personality. Likewise, Japanese folktales particularly centered around the genre of ‘horror’ deal with the unconscious ‘animalistic’ desires to control the hierarchical structures of the society. The main problem arises when a person’s mind is influenced by the unconscious memories, which can be good or sometimes evil. When the evil unconscious memories or desires overtake a human's mind, it leads them towards mental illnesses and reclusiveness. By critically analyzing horror movie: “Audition (1999)” based on these themes, this research paper will show how Japanese horror movies are telling us about its society and its anxieties. Using Freudian Theory of Psyche, this paper will conclude how “Id” of the human mind can affect their behavior in a strange way thus leading towards problematic social structures.
The process of becoming
(UMT, Lahore, 2023) Muhammad Murtaza
The thesis probes the concept of becoming introduced by Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari with reference to the work of Nadine Gordimer’s Get a Life (2005). This study deals with the theme of metamorphosis, as nearly everything undergoes transformation after the protagonist of the novel is diagnosed with thyroid cancer. The metamorphosis stated in the novel is a type of becoming, an idea that has been expounded as a shift towards a new zone of proximity: it is a deterritorialization. Becoming is always minoritarian and molecular in nature which will be elaborated in next section of this paper. My discussion has so far concentrated on becoming although there are various types of becomings: becoming-woman, becoming-animal, becoming imperceptible, becoming-plant. However, the primary focus of this paper is about becoming in general and to think without subjectivity; loosening the human subjectivities. Becoming is not the conclusion or the end product although it can be one of those portals which can lead to further becomings. Thus becoming is more about de-subjectification of humans as they consider themselves as the supreme authority and self-ruling. So the protagonist of the novel after undergoing becoming, adapt himself with the new identity by learning new things, coming across the realms of untrodden paths, to see things with a new and different perspective and to deconstruct the wall of human subjectivity. So with undergoing becoming animal Paul, the protagonist has a responsibility as he share life, form and energy with the animals and environment on the same planet we inhabit. The future scope of this research is a turn to animals in art, literature and theory as an attempt to give new definition to the humans as not opposed to animals but animals (Kari Weil).
The influence of Netflix’s elite on perceptions of homosexuality and nudity in society
(UMT, Lahore, 2023) Zaha Shahzad
This research explores the influence of Netflix on normalizing diversity in representation and breaking stereotypes, particularly regarding homosexuality and nudity. With its global reach and diverse content, Netflix has played a significant role in shaping societal perceptions and influencing public discourse by normalizing homosexuality and nudity. This research examines the changing societal norms that challenge preconceptions and promote inclusivity, focusing on the portrayal of homosexuality and nudity in the popular Netflix original series “Elite”. By analyzing this show through a semiotic lens, the researcher gains insights into how they challenge or reinforce societal norms surrounding sexuality and gender. By identifying the meaning and interpretation of signs and symbols used in Netflix content, this research contributes to a better understanding of how media promotes acceptance and inclusion of diverse sexual orientations and nude content in society. The researcher examines Netflix usage patterns through the lens of George Gerbner's Cultivation Theory. According to the Cultivation Theory, media consumption has a tremendous impact on how individuals view the world and how they behave. It also has the capacity to progressively change the way people perceive and understand the world. Examining how homosexuality and nudity are portrayed in Netflix material, looking at how changing social norms affect views, and determining the effects of Netflix's influence on society are all associated with the research's objectives. The research questions focus on the perceptual elements that help dispel preconceptions and advance diversity and the narrative structures, themes, signs, and symbols utilized to portray homosexuality and nudity in Netflix content. Overall, this research clarifies how Netflix influences cultural attitudes and views, ultimately promoting a more inclusive and accepting society.
Scrutinizing the invisible hands of ideology
(UMT, Lahore, 2023) Aleeha Zainab
The research aims to scrutinize the invisible hands of ideology in Margaret Atwood’s novel The Handmaid’s Tale under the lens of theory by Louis Althusser known as “Ideology and Ideological State Apparatuses”. The main objective behind this research is to focus on the role of all the political ideologies that are operating in Gilead, their effects on women, and the utilization of these ideologies as a tool of oppression. Another objective is to highlight the importance of resistance against all oppressive structures and standing for what is right. The consultation of theory of Althusser reveals the reality that how the ruling class with the help of ideology uses force and agendas to oppress women mentally and economically. The research tends to focus on the exploration of the ways that are utilized in the totalitarian regime of Gilead where ISAs play a crucial role in perpetuating power and male domination. Moreover, the research tends to explore the state’s hidden ideology behind every rule the state has made as proletariats have been provided the strict gender roles and a dress code. The researcher has analyzed that The Handmaids Tale has not been scrutinized before through the economic and material oppression of women which is done through the hidden political ideologies constructed by the ruling class. Therefore, this research has offered invaluable insights to the future researchers who desire to trace the fact that how ideology works unconsciously. The research has been proved qualitative as it is based on the textual analysis of novel The Handmaid’s Tale as a primary source and on collective information extracted through different authentic articles and sources as secondary sources.
Investigating female’s psychological health from Durrani’s perspective in my feudal lord using showalter’s gynocriticism
(UMT, Lahore, 2023) Areeha Iqbal
The research work highlights the marginalized condition of women by taking the protagonist, Tehmina Durrani as an illustration of the submissive role of women in a patriarchal society. The study will explore the downtrodden condition of women by scrutinizing My Feudal Lord under the lens of the psychological and cultural model of Gynocriticism Theory by Elaine Showalter. The events discussed in the novel precisely illustrate the hierarchies that are constructed for women in a feudal society. The feudal structures allow a man to marry more than one, but when a woman goes for a second marriage, she is outcasted from society as it is considered against norms. Tehmina Durrani’s My Feudal Lord focuses on similar issues dealt with, by women where women have no right to get a divorce from an unhappy life. This paper aims to illustrate how women are given confined roles in their houses and are not allowed to deal with social and political issues. Besides, this study also focuses on the exploitation and the psychological state of women and the novel’s relation to the contemporary era, Furthermore, it focuses on the consequences of an unhappy married life on women and examines how the psychological and cultural model of Elaine Showalter’s gynocriticism works on the protagonist of the story. The findings of this research suggest that women inequality needs to shun off to have a society where everyone is treated equally regardless of the gender or sex.
Child’s future as a manifestation of parents’ past
(UMT, Lahore, 2023) Nimra Batool
This study explores how parents’ past experiences influence the psychological development of their children. It examines the adverse effects of a history of violence and injustice on parents’ behaviour, resulting in the victimization of their offspring. Moreover, the research focuses mainly on the negative impact of different parenting styles on the psychological behaviour of their children. It underscores the idea that reduced warmth and communication gaps between parents and children contribute to suicidal adolescent behaviour. The study also addresses the negative influence of intergenerational trauma on children’s psychological and emotional upbringing. Furthermore, this research highlights diverse risk factors of parents’ psychological distress, which subsequently become root causes for children’s depression, low self-esteem and anxiety. Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar and Toni Morrison’s Beloved serve as illustrations of these claims. Morrison underscores the impact of parents’ history of violence and subjugation on the behavioural patterns of their offspring. She reiterates that the past of parents can bite their children’s present and can shape their present and future. In comparison to her, Plath presents children’s psychological challenges stemming from controlling and authoritarian parenting. Thus, this study anticipates the extensive influence of parents on wield across facets of their children’s lives, be they social, socio-political, familial or personal.
Bram stoker’s Dracula
(UMT, Lahore, 2023) Zahida Riaz
This study seeks to delve into the religious perspective of the novelist Bram Stoker and how he depicted the religious propaganda during the Victorian era through his characters, utilizing the framework of New Historicism as developed by Stephen Greenblatt. Additionally, the study aims to examine how the religious-political system led its followers to blind allegiance. The class system is processed as it is evident that individuals from different social strata exhibit varying responses. The research employs a theoretical framework that includes an examination of the historical context of religious corruption during the Victorian era, an exploration of elements drawn from the life of the historical figure Vlad the Impaler, an analysis of the gothic aspects of the novel, and an investigation into the role of religion in different class systems. To enrich the study, glimpses of Bram Stoker's life, Victorian Catholic practices, and their interactions with Protestant communities are provided. The Victorian culture and religious practices are scrutinized through the portrayal of characters in the novel, each representing a nuanced reflection of Catholicism and Protestantism, depending on their social backgrounds. Furthermore, this study considers the adaptations of Stoker's novel, focusing solely on key elements relevant to the research objectives. It harmonizes religious and historical events related to Vlad the Impaler and Bram Stoker's fictional Dracula to facilitate a comprehensive analysis. Gender roles are also brought into the spotlight. All these aspects are examined through the lens of Greenblatt's theory, providing a multifaceted exploration of Stoker's religious portrayal in the Victorian context.
Role of black feminism
(UMT, Lahore, 2023) Hira Kamran
By using the theory of Black feminism, which was first developed by a group known as Combahee River Collection; a Black feminist organization, on Toni Morrison's God Help the Child, this research examines the liberation of the oppressed Black woman, Bride, and her profound transformation from traumatic childhood to well-defended adulthood. Black feminism is a diverse movement that highlights the social and political realities of African American women. In the novel, racism, sexism, and the skin-hierarchies within the Black community are all discussed. These interwoven forms of oppression are referred to as "double jeopardy," and the philosophy of Black feminism seeks to destroy them. The experiences of Black women, who are frequently ignored in the language of mainstream feminism, are traumatized by the racial prejudice towards dark skin. Black feminism gives black women more power by encouraging self-acceptance. By destroying the oppressive institutions that interact with race, gender, and class, womanism focuses on establishing equality as well as equity.
The role of positive reinforcement in motivating student learning in ESL classroom
(UMT, Lahore, 2023) Arfa Asif
This study aims to examine the impact of reinforcement in motivating student learning. The impact of the teacher on students' motivation to learn is discussed in this research. The research on learning and motivation suggests techniques teachers may use to boost their students' motivation to learn. The development of a supportive learning environment is just one aspect of the teacher's role in motivation. Learning motivation is increased by the teacher's role in promoting independence, relevance, and connection between the subject material and the students' lives. Additionally, a key element influencing students' motivation to study is the teacher's capacity to develop their competence, interest in the subject material, and confidence in themselves. The study design uses a qualitative method approach: semi-structured interviews and open-ended questionnaires were used for data collection. Findings of the study showed that reinforcement has a great and long-lasting impact on learning of the students.
Exploring self-actualization and character building
(UMT, Lahore, 2023) Maham Nadeem
This research aims to probe Abraham Maslow’s theory of the Hierarchy of Needs in Ana Haung’s book Twisted Love. The objective of this research is to trace self-realization and character-building through a sense of belonging and analyze self-actualization through the character of Alex Volkov and Ava Chen. Another objective of this research is to unfold the traumas and depression the characters felt because of the lack of parental love. It is clearly shown how love and a sense of belonging change our life. In addition to this, this research scrutinizes the events of trauma, and how traumatic nightmares and depression build in the contemporary world. The thesis fills the research gap as this thesis has not been scrutinized and analyzed as a source of love and emotions from the trauma embedded in the consciousness. Emphasis on the Hierarchy of needs by Abraham Maslow is the secondary source of this dissertation. This source unleashes the five stages to reach the level of self-actualization. Without completing one need, you cannot reach the other need. This dissertation is insightful for those who want to be motivated and reach the process of actualization. This research is qualitative and based on different articles and books.
The impact of bilingual education on language development and academic achievement
(UMT, Lahore, 2023) Asad Ali
The purpose of this study is to foresee the learner's perspective on the study approach, which is very different from their prior learning strategies used in a university classroom context. The SPSS analysis is used to look at the information gathered from the constraints and guidelines of the learner-centred approach, of university students. Therefore, it is more beneficial to debate the applicability of bilingual education system with extensive data. The 50 UMT main campus students who are enrolled in the English course were asked for their opinions as part of the data collection process through a questionnaire. The learner-centred approach is a strand of the bilingual teaching and learning process, but the efficacy of the results is significantly greater than that of the conventional techniques applied up to the undergraduate level in Pakistani classrooms. Because university students are aware of their demands as a result of their choice of a particular subject field, colleges place a greater emphasis on their wants and ambitions. To study the effectiveness of students' perceptions about the impact of bilingual education on language leraning and their vision of the learner-centred classroom environment as ESL students, the results are decided from the acquired data while keeping the learner-centred approach as a priority.
Cheegha (the call) by daur under historical trauma by Michelle Balaev
(UMT, Lahore, 2023) Nasim Ullah
This research aims to scrutinize the selected chapters of the book Cheegha (The Call) by Ghulam Qadir Khan Daur through the lens of historical trauma by Cathy Caruth, further expounded by Michelle Balaev. This thesis explores the gruesome impacts of war by studying the trauma inflicted on the people of Waziristan and the certain ways in which historical trauma shatters the identity and rich culture of a particular region. Cathy Caruth has put forward the idea of the trauma as a psychological wound that haunts a person and leaves lasting effects on one’s psyche. This theory shall be evaluated in terms of historical trauma. Historical trauma refers to a collective trauma experienced by a particular group of people due to war, forced migration or through deliberate manipulation of culture. It scrutinizes how war disintegrates the cultural values of people by casting deep psychological effects on the psyche of the residents of that specific culture. The text by Daur unveils the gruesome impacts of an imposed war on the psyche of Waziristanies. They witnessed their culture crumble, extreme bloodshed, and violence. This research aims to develop an insight into on the imprints of war on the psyche of people find their way to catharsis through the act of narrating and writing the poignant history. Further, it will also highlight the traumatic experiences of the people of a certain area affected by war and the ways in which trauma travels from generation to generation. Thus, it will delineate the fact that psychological wounds are much more daunting and disquieting than physiological wounds.
The portrayal of women protagonists as a subaltern in selected dramas of Pakistan
(UMT, Lahore, 2023) Haiqa Shahid
This study is focused on the portrayal of women in Pakistani media discourse. In the study, Pakistani visual media discourse including drama serials Habs, Mere Humsafar, Qiyamat and Ay Musht e Khaak are analyzed to focus on the portrayal of the silencing of women as a product of gender discrimination. It focuses on the subjugation of women specifically silencing their voices as endorsed due to the binary created between men and women. Van Dijk’s model for critical discourse analysis and ideological square is used to analyze the discourse as the theoretical underpinning. It divides the discourse on three different levels that are microstructure, supra-structure and macrostructure. The focus in study was on female characters developed as subalterns and silent over any unjustified treatment of them. The instrument for the research was Dramas serials and questionnaire. It is a descriptive qualitative study and the finding are in line with the research objectives. The study highlights the role of media in creating an impact through its narrative. The depiction of timid and weak female protagonists had a negative impact on women in Pakistani society as the idea of weak women is encouraged in society. Female protagonists were found to be quiet women suffering in silence. It shows the impact it has in turn on the women and the way discourse is a two-way process.
Exploratory factor analysis of corpus stylistics
(UMT, Lahore, 2023) Saadia Khan
This work explores corpus stylistics in the context of Bapsi Sidhwa's writings using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). This study tries to find and analyze the basic variables that contribute to the stylistic variances evident in Sidhwa's literary corpus by utilizing a comprehensive collection of her novels. The research intends to determine the latent dimensions that shape the distinctive stylistic qualities observed in Sidhwa's writings by extracting related linguistic features and applying EFA approaches. This case study's findings not only improve our understanding of corpus stylistics, but also give vital insights into the different stylistic characteristics found in Bapsi Sidhwa's literary works. This investigation adds to the larger area of literary analysis by providing a thorough assessment of the corpus stylistics in the context of a well-known author's work.
Digital populism
(UMT, Lahore, 2023) Habibah Abdullah
This study aims at finding the strategies and their impact that Imran Khan has used on social media platforms to invoke populist spirit among the people of Pakistan. Thus, the answers to the following research questions were explored in this study: 1. What are most commonly employed ways on Imran’s Khan personal accounts that make him relatable to a Common Man? 2. What are the strategies employed by Imran Khan and his media cell via his social media accounts to justify that his efforts are in the interest of the people unlike those in opposition? 3. What are the responses of people on social media when they observe his strategies that make him relatable to a common man? 4. What are the responses of people on social media regarding Khan’s approach in making them believe that he is working in their interests unlike those currently in power? This study utilizes qualitative approach in which social media posts and their comments were collected as data. It is causal research where the photograph and video posts by Imran Khan and their responses in the form of comments from citizens were collected via convenience and purposive sampling subtypes of non-probability sampling for observation. Result of the study suggested that Imran Khan’s strategies include him taking religion very seriously, him knowing the issues of public, him not preferring any special treatment compared to others etc. and most people’s response to that was positive and trusting him to become their leader.
Exploring the unspoken wounds of genocide trauma
(UMT, Lahore, 2023) Tuba Naeem
The research aims to explore the use of literature and art as an ointment to traumatic wounds present in the memory of Lithuanians through Cathy Caruth’s trauma theory in Ruta Sepety’s Between Shades of Gray. The objective of this research is to unveil the impact of the gruesome and traumatic experiences of the Holocaust on the unconscious of individuals through microscopic analysis of the characters, Lina, and Jonas in Between Shades of Gray. Another objective of this thesis is to unfold how the traumatic events of the genocide of the Baltic people have influenced the writer, Sepetys, to rewrite the poignant scenarios of history as a catharsis from the trauma residing in the memory of Lithuanians. The study scrutinizes the impact of trauma in shattering the identity of characters and traces of traumatic events in contemporary individuals of the same cultural groups. The thesis fills the research gap as Between Shades of Gray has formerly not been scrutinized and analyzed as a source of hope and catharsis from the trauma embedded in the consciousness of Lithuanians. Emphasis on the Trauma Theory of Cathy Caruth is the secondary source of this dissertation. This thesis unleashes the fact that extreme traumatic experiences of individuals fracture both language and consciousness by leaving a mark on the psyche of traumatized people. This research is qualitative and based on the information collected from different articles and various other sources.
A gynocritical study of malala’s autobiography I am malala
(UMT, Lahore, 2023) Muhammad Shah
This research paper investigates to understand the description and nuances of femininity in females’ writing in the book I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb by applying Elaine Showalter’s theory of Gynocriticism as a theoretical framework. I Am Malala is an autobiography based on the author's nostalgic childhood life struggle and harsh experiences. Gynocriticism is a feminist criticism that illustrates the feminine experiences and struggles for their very own quality writings to construct their own separate identity in a patriarchal environment. For ages, women were using and adapting males’ models of writing and theories to express themselves, but this narrative has changed over time, and progressively women are trying to seek writings and theories based on their own experiences and subjectivity. Along with the author’s personal experiences as a female writer, this research comprehends in what way women face obstacles to surpass the literary tradition phases suggested by Elaine Showalter that is ‘Feminine, Feminist and Female’ to speak for themselves in their language and to construct their own identity through their writing. This research also claims in what manner the harsh experiences of a female author are reflected in the text. This research further tends to highlight the delinquent atmosphere of particular rural society and culture in a comparison to metropolitan areas and the process of shaping the identity of female authors where they reside. Therefore, the objective of this research is why women need a text in their own voices to demonstrate their own experiences by replacing male's experiences and models of literary writings. Hence, this research will deduce how the internalized sexism about women can only be unveiled and addressed genuinely through women’s writing.

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