From mourning to melancholia: a Freudian analysis of loss in Kanza Javed’s ashes, wine and dust
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Date
2019
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UMT, Lahore
Abstract
This research focuses on the concept of loss which is highlighted through the character of Mariam Ameen the protagonist of novel Ashes, Wine and Dust by Kanza Javed. This novel will be analyzed through Freudian lens of Loss which mainly deals with the idea of mourning and grieving for the loved ones. Freud in his famous essay in “Mourning and Melancholia” points out that these two major processes involves detachment from the loved one and he stresses on the point that the individuals who are suffering from grieving phase are in search for an attachment that has been lost. By following the concept of grief and mourning this paper contends that Mariam is a victim of grief and bereavement who after losing her beloved relations falls into a state of melancholy. Although this process of mourning and feeling pain for the loved one’s who are lost is a natural feeling, Freud argues that one should also focus on letting go of the things which is essential for moving on with life to recover from the state of depression and to return to normal life. Mariam who suffers from mourning state is struck hard by another loss which turns her into a melancholic person and this loss eventually causes her own death.