The Women’s Courtyard

Name: ALISA RAHMAN

Course: B.A.(Hons.) English
Semester: IV
Subject: WOMEN’S WRITING IN INDIA AND PAKISTAN (CBCS) ASSIGNMENT 1
Submitted to: Prof. MEHR FAROOQUI.

What do you believe is lost in translation? Are emotions conveyed in

the same way? Do meanings of words or stories change?
Loopholes are inevitable in any translations, regarding emotions depicted,
imagaries, metaphors, illustrations of writer’s thoughts. Every language thrives with
the culture of its speakers. They convey particular emotions which when translated to
some other language, does not retain its essence. Literary works when translated,
some of its original quiddity gets lost.
Moreover, since each language is culturally embedded it has its own richness.
Therefore, the original dialogues may not retain their symbolism when translated to
another language. In the novel, the poignant Urdu Ghazals, songs and poems
expressing the strong emotions seem to have lost their lustre. The translated title
‘The Women’s Courtyard’ does not coincide with the original Urdu title ‘Angan’;
sheer meaning is no longer preserved and more words are required to denote the
exact emotions and meanings.

What is the significance of the courtyard and how does it display its
importance through the social interactions, or lack thereof, between
characters?
Courtyard is the median part of a house, which initially, was used for bonfires. A
traditional courtyard when put in the spotlight, is discovered to have many profound
roles. They also served as a venue for family gatherings, dining area, and other social
assemblage. They were playgrounds for children and a relaxation spot for adults
while protecting their privacy. Overall, they connected different parts of the large
house providing comfortability and accessibility to the family members.
The courtyard is said to be a woman’s territory, while man is held responsible for
handling the external domain of the house. Over the time, a courtyard, being a
woman's territory, inherited a sense of femininity to it. Just like the cruciality of a
woman in binding the family is undeniable, the role of courtyards in connecting the
houses is unquestionable. The novel is a housebound novel, with most of the actions
being domestic and taking place in the courtyard. The characters interact with each
other in the courtyard. It also denotes the patriarchal society, where it is the
courtyard which remains the realm of the women; the world beyond wasn’t for them.

There are frequent mentions to the henna plant and mehndi. What is
the deeper meaning behind these symbols in relation to women?
Traditionally, mehendi or henna, a herbal paste, is applied on a young woman’s or a
bride’s hands. The bright red colour left by the mehendi on the hand signifies the
blooming desires of a young woman. Their anticipation and excitement of entering
into a new life is symbolised by the exuberant colour of mehendi.
In the novel,the henna plant depicts Tehmina’s aspirations, emotions and desires,
influenced by the crooked society. A dejected Tehmina is initially seen scattering the
henna leaves. It is almost as if she has given up the idea of love. Later on, she is
watering the henna plant, similarly preparing herself for marriage. But the leaves are
all dried up when the prospect of marrying Safdar is abandoned. The leaves of the
henna plant only blossomed when Safdar claimed Tehmina for himself.

What are the most salient issues/questions about culture that you're
seeking to uncover in this translation that the reader might not be able
to notice?
At the end of this skillfully translated novel, we are left with so many emotions
erupting within, so many questions needing to be answered. One such question is
about the bitterness of Aliya’s mother, why is Aliya’s mother so bitter and cruel about
everything?Aliya’s mother is no doubt the most toxic character in the novel. But what
made her so toxic? What is her background story? Why is she easily made the target
of hatred? And why don’t Aliya’s father or uncle deserve the same hatred for
neglecting their families?Aliya’s mother is seen being neglected by her husband, he is
too busy with his work to ever pay any heed to his wife. Maybe the contrast in the
ideologies of the husband and wife created more rifts between them?

Aliya says that she is not able to say anything against Abba and Uncle
even though they are responsible for much of the family’s pain and
suffering. Why does Aliya have such a strong attachment to Abba and
Uncle?
Aliya is seen to be very forgiving towards her Abba and Uncle even though they’ve
neglected their families which is supposed to be their priority. Children tend to see
their fathers as the breadwinner and protector of the family gaining them respect
instantly. Psychologically, a daughter is inclined to her father. For Aliya, she didn't
really differentiate between her father and her uncle. She was affectionate and
respectful towards them to such an extent that she couldn’t say anything against
them. Maybe, it can also be because they have no support from anybody in their
family and this makes Aliya forgiving towards them despite their negligence.

Is independence from British rule perceived differently by men and

women in this novel?
Yes, the independence from British rule is perceived differently by men and women
in this novel. Men in the novel are obsessed with independence from British rule,
they are fighting against the oppression, going out to protest and even spending days
in jail. They’re seen endlessly arguing over Congress versus Muslim League
ideologies. Women in the novel are ignorant towards independence. They are only
seen worried about independence when their husbands or children are thrown in the
jail. Moreover, Aliya’s mother was very happy that her brother married a British
woman and didn’t mind British’s rule over India.
The women have no political beliefs because to them it is men who will step in
positions of increased power. They fail to see how the change of rulers on a national
level will impact on the lives of the women in the courtyard. The women fight their
own way inside the courtyard while their husbands and sons against the British.
While the issues of a household courtyard is easily hidden by the red backdrop of the
national issues, Mastur brought out the domestic muddle of a courtyard.

What are your thoughts surrounding Kusum’s death? Can her suicide
be seen as a kind of honor killing?
Kusum’s suicide can be seen as a kind of honor killing as it was committed to save
the honour of her family. Kusum lost her first husband very early, and never really
experienced the blissful married life. She however finds another person who she felt
could support her and forsakes the old practices in her religion to stay an eternal
widow. She elopes with him but is cheated on and he soon leaves her. Abandoned
once again, she is still accepted by her family but not by the society. She is mocked
and shamed by the neighbourhood. Kusum eventually realized that there was more
peace in dying than living this wretched life. So giving herself up she decided to save
her family’s honour.

Make a list of all the important women characters and their strengths
and weaknesses.

Women Characters Their Strength Their Weakness

1. Aliya Determined, Naive

 Hopeful.

2. Tehmina Obedient, Loyal. Passive

3. Amma Bold, Proud. Greedy, selfish

4. Kusum Friendly, Adaptable. Impulsive

5. Aunty Humble, Kind. Passive

6. Chammi Energetic, Confident. Jealousy

7. Kareeman Bua Religious, Content Low empathy

8. Najma Aunty Open-minded, Bossy

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