EXPLORING SOCIOECONOMIC REALITIES AND

SYMBOLISM IN THE TALE OF NAWABDIN THE

ELECTRICIAN

By:

SONIA BIBI
BS (4-Year) English

Supervised By:
Mr. Kalim Ullah
Lecturer in English
Govt Degree College Wari (Dir Upper)

A report/thesis submitted to the Department of English, Govt Degree

College Wari (Dir Upper) as partial fulfillment of the Shaheed Benazir
Bhutto University Sheringal Dir Upper, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the
award of degree of: BS (4-Year) English.

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH
GOVERNMENT DEGREE COLLAGE WARI DIR UPPER
KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN
2023
 Approval Sheet

It is to certify that the thesis submitted by SONIA BIBI titled “EXPLORING

SOCIOECONOMIC REALITIES AND SYMBOLISM IN THE TALE OF NAWABDIN
THE ELECTRICIAN” for the partial fulfillment of the requirements for awarding the Degree
of BS (4-YEARS) in English literature and linguistics and has been approved by the
supervisory committee of the Collage:

External Examiner: ________________________

Internal Examiner ________________________

QEC focal Person ________________________

HOD English ________________________

Principal ________________________

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

GOVERNMENT DEGREE COLLAGE WARI UPPER DIR

2019-2023
iii
 DEDICATION

“Every challenging work needs self-efforts as well as guidance of elders especially those who
were very close to our hearts”.

“My humble effort I dedicated to my sweet and loving

Father, Mother and Brothers,

Whose affections, love, encouragement, and prayers of day and night make me able to get such
success and honor,

Along-with all, hard working and respected teachers”.

iv
 Acknowledgements

First and foremost, praises be to Allah the almighty for granting me endless

blessing throughout the process of my research till its completion.

I am heavily obliged to my honorable teacher as well as supervisor Mr. Kalim Ullah who

helped me significantly throughout my research and providing me invaluable guidance until final

completion. His vision, sincerity and motivation have deeply inspired me.

I am grateful my beloved parents and brothers as well as my relatives who provided me

very supportive environment for conducting the study.

v
 Table of Contents

APPROVAL SHEET.................................................................................................................ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.......................................................................................................v

ABSTRACT..............................................................................................................................vii

CHAPTER: 1 INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................1

CHAPTER: 2 LITERATURE REVIEW.................................................................................5

CHAPTER: 3 METHODOLOGY..........................................................................................16

CHAPTER: 4 DATA ANALYSIS...........................................................................................18

CHAPTER: 5 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION......................................................................30

REFERENCE............................................................................................................................35

vi
 Abstract

This research study is carried out to evaluate the life journey of an electrician man Nawabdin.
The life of this smart working man named Nawabdin is followed in Daniyal Mueenuddin's short
novel "Nawabdin Electrician". Nawabdin is a well-known electrician and handyman. He gained
the respect of his neighbours and K.K. Harouni, his boss, for his ability to trick electric meters
and give customers lower prices. Nawabdin has always worked extremely hard, frequently taking
on additional jobs in addition to taking care of Harouni's farm's upkeep. The current study
explores the socioeconomic realities and symbolism in the story of a handyman Nawabdin
electrician.

vii
 CHAPTER: 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Symbolism

When an item, person, or location conveys an abstract notion in addition to its literal

meaning, this is known as symbolism (SIM-buh-liz-uhm). Literary symbolism can be overt, like

a storm symbolizing a character's emotional conflict, or subtle, like a character's yellow shirt

indicating an impending friendship.

When romanticism overcame realism in French poetry in the 19th century, symbolism emerged

as an aesthetic trend. Its root word, symbolus, is Latin and signifies "a sign of recognition."

Writing typically expresses symbolism in one of three ways: through the characters, objects, or

events.

Objects

Objects are the most typical way that symbolism appears in literature, and they can aid the reader

in comprehending a plot's complex theme. For instance, Katniss' mockingjay pin in The Hunger

Games began as a representation of her family and then came to represent the districts' resistance

against the Capitol.

Characters

Symbolism in a character is typically displayed by their behaviours and is part of an allegory.

Aslan, a character in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, is a representation of Jesus because

he kills himself to save Edmund and then comes back to life, much as Jesus died on the cross and

rose from the dead three days later. Characters from The Pilgrim's Progress, including the

1
Interpreter, who clarifies Biblical texts, represent various temptations the main character

encounters on his journey to the Celestial City.

Events

An event in the plot may occasionally be used by the author to serve as symbolism. For instance,

the trousers in the Sisterhood of the Travelling trousers books symbolise the childhood

friendship between the girls. In the fourth and last book, when the trousers are misplaced, it

represents the end of their childhood and the beginning of adulthood. Separate from the trousers

themselves, the absence of them serves as a symbol.

The Subtlety Level

Symbolism in literature can be overt or understated. For instance, if a mother buys toys for the

baby and then miscarries, she might discover rattle months later and mourn. The reader would

understand immediately that the rattle represents the death of her kid.

If she bought a black onesie, that would be a subtle illustration of the same idea. Although it's

possible that the author did not intend for the miscarriage to be foreshadowed by the color, not

every reader would immediately notice it.

1.2 Nawabdin The Electrician

Daniyal Mueenuddin is the author of the short story Nawabdin Electrician. Nawabdin, an

electrician who supports a powerful man by working for him, serves as the protagonist of the

story. Nawabdin, an electrician, is introduced at the beginning of the narrative. Nawab is

introduced as an electrician who slows down the meters to defraud the electric providers,

specifically for his client K.K. Harouni. He used to assist K.K. Harouni, a powerful man with a

diverse background. It assists Nawab in slowing down the meter's rotations so that his farms can

be watered without incurring significant electricity costs.

2
He sometimes employs heating, other times wire connections, other times getting around

switches, etc. to take care of the water pipes. He had been blessed with twelve girls and a boy

after marrying the love of his youth in his early years. His family would have starved to death if

not for the pay he received from Harouni. Every time Harouni arrived from Lahore, he was

accustomed to accompanying him. He requests a bike from Harouni one day, and in exchange

for his unlawful assistance, he is given a Honda 70. After acquiring the motorbike, Nawab's

standing rises. Additionally, he has access to his wife, who was staying in Firoza with her family,

every evening. After purchasing the motorbike, he continued to be madly in love with his wife

and would frequently see her. Also stated in detail is the state of the home where the Nawab's

family was residing. Although the property was in bad shape, there was still a cosy feeling about

it.

The house was furnished with knitted garments and had a black and white television, running

water, and a dark roof. Nawab shows up at Firoza one day and brings his wife five kilos of

brown sugar that he received as payment for fixing the sugarcane press. The following morning,

Nawab and his family had a delicious breakfast. The Nawab, the kids, and they all gladly ate

bread dipped in brown sugar syrup. Nawab meets a man who asks for a ride as he returns to

work. After asking the man where he is, Nawab offers to give him a ride, but as fate would have

it, the man Nawab picks up is actually a thief. After some time, the burglar yells at the motorbike

to stop. He commands the Nawab to dismount the motorcycle. Insisting that he has thirteen

children, Nawab begs him not to steal his source of income. In an attempt to defend his bike,

Nawab fought the robber off, but he was ultimately shot. After observing Nawab in a critical

state, the thief flees. When two villagers arrive on the scene, they immediately see Nawab's

wounds since he is writhing in anguish. They aid him in travelling to the hospital. Additionally,

3
they seize the thief's gun and shoot it into the tree where they believe he was hiding. The doctor

at the hospital where the thief and Nawab are both admitted said that the thief is in critical

condition while Nawab is in good health. The thief attempts to defend himself by outlining his

living circumstances. He admits to the Nawab that he was physically abused growing up and that

his elderly, blind mother is waiting for him in the shantytowns outside of Multan without any

resources (money, land, or a home). The thief attempts to convince Nawab to accept his

apologies, but Nawab and the pharmacist do nothing but watching the man die. Nawab was

saved, even one bullet hit him.

Nawabdin has always worked extremely hard, frequently taking on additional jobs in addition to

taking care of Harouni's farm's upkeep. The current study explores the socioeconomic realities

and symbolism in this short story of a handyman Nawabdin electrician.

1.3Statement of the Problem.

Based on the background of the research, the researcher formulates the problems as follows:

1. What kinds of symbols that found in the story “Nawabdin Electrician.”?

2. What are the socioeconomic realities in the tale of Nawabdin Electrician?

1.4 Objectives of the Study

 Symbolism in the tale of Nawabdin Electrician.

 To determine socioeconomic realities in the tale of Nawabdin Electrician

1.5 Research Questions

 What are the symbolisms in the story Nawabdin electician?

 What are socioeconomic realities in the story Nawabdin electrician?

4
 CHAPTER: 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Symbolism

According to Byron and Laurence (2015), symbols are defined as physical

materializations that hold the wisdom to represent a bigger meaning. Symbolism is the art or

practice of using symbols especially by investing objects with a symbolic meaning or by

expressing the invisible or nonmaterial (Mühlenbeck & Jacobsen, 2020). Symbols hold the

significance to bring people into reality, structure, and the content that a symbolism tries to

convey (Mühlenbeck & Jacobsen, 2020). Symbolism has the potential to be found in anything

and everywhere if someone allows themself to explore this idea. Following the idea that

symbolism can potentially be found anywhere, the earliest forms of material symbolism were

found in cave markings that represented structures and the environment (Mühlenbeck &

Jacobsen, 2020).

In a study about the personal meaning of symbols by Hermans and Van Loon (1991), the

researchers divided symbols into two categories of personal and universal symbols. A universal

symbol can represent an object or subject to a larger audience (e.g., religious motifs, product

branding, or animal species), while a personal symbol holds meaning of significance on an

individual level (Hermans & Van Loon, 1991). This categorization led to the realization that

symbols hold the power to transform their meaning differently at varying times and stages in life

(Hermans & Van Loon, 1991). Hermans and Van Loon (1991) stated that the question of how

much importance a symbol can carry was unable to be defined due to such variances in a

symbol’s meanings, timing, and symbolic interpretation.

5
 According to DeLoache (1995), the most individualizing factor between humans and

other creatures is how humans find evolving ways to use symbols. This level of understanding

can provide the base knowledge for how humans interpret the world around them.

Carl Gustav Jung, a Swiss psychologist and the founder of analytic or Jungian theory

advanced the understanding of the role and impact of symbolism and symbolic thinking in the

psyche (Meymandi, 2010). Jung’s work helped to define two types of imagination: engaged

(applied and focused) and active (voluntary and at will) (Meymandi, 2010). He layered his

understanding of imagination with existing theories of the conscious and unconscious mind to

gain a deeper understanding of the psyche. In the typical model of the layers of the mind,

according to Jung and his theory, shows that the further “up” someone goes from the collective

unconscious and travels through the personal conscious, the farther “away” someone strays from

the symbolic side towards the top levels of the ego of conscious awareness (Mayes, 2016). The

collective unconscious is defined as the lived experience of all humans; specifically universal

experiences that someone is not consciously aware of (Hermans & Van Loon, 1991).

Jung did his own self-explorations and expanded his theories beyond the Western

approach (Schaverien, 2005). Symbols can come from a place of awareness or unconsciousness

but can still hold important meaning for people. Carl Jung was able to bring about the idea of

artwork holding symbolic meaning and that we are symbolic people due to his own personal self

explorations within his artwork (Schaverien, 2005).

It was reported that Carl Jung would feel stuck in analytic theory and would create

models, take time to paint pictures, or make mandalas to explore his own ideas of personal

reflection and insight (Schaverien, 2005). This approach of using the creative process to illicit

new pathways or understandings is foundational in art therapy. Art therapists facilitate directives

6
and create a space that aid clients in exploration and insights to themselves (AATA, 2020). The

actual experience of the client immersing in the making art is much more important than that of

the final product. Schaverien (2005) states that active imagination pertains to the experience of

the person instead of the medium being used. Although, aesthetics of the final product is an

important part of the analysis because it can give insight to the active imagination (Schaverien,

2005). The purpose of that imagination is to connect and bring forth the uncomfortable,

unknown, and symbols, which can be processed within a therapeutic setting (Filiault et al, 2019).

2.2 socioeconomic Realities

Socio-economic status and performance many modern societies suffer from rising

inequality and low social mobility (OECD, 2018). Income inequality in OECD countries today is

at its highest level since the 1980s (OECD, 2015), and the economic recovery observed since

2010 has not reversed this trend. Rising inequality and low social mobility not only threaten

long-term growth (Cingano, 2014) but more fundamentally endanger democratic societies.

Young people may lack confidence in political institutions if they feel that they have to limit

their expectations for their future because of their family’s or their own financial situation. Long-

standing research finds that the most reliable predictor of a child’s future success at school – and,

in many cases, of access to well-paid and high-status occupations – is his or her family. Children

from low-income and low-educated families usually face many barriers to learning. Less

household wealth often translates into fewer educational resources, such as books, games and

interactive learning materials in the home. From the beginning, parents of higher socio-economic

status are more likely to provide their children with the financial support and home resources for

individual learning. As they are likely to have higher levels of education, they are also more

likely to provide a more stimulating home environment to promote cognitive development (Sirin,

7
2005; Thomson, 2018). These parents may be more at ease teaching their child the specific

behaviors and cultural references that are the most valued at school. Advantaged parents may

also provide greater psychological support for their child in environments that encourage the

development of the skills necessary for success at school (Evans et al., 2010). However, results

from previous rounds of PISA suggest that school systems may be able to help mitigate the

impact of families’ socio-economic status on their child’s life outcomes. Schools can serve to

channel resources towards disadvantaged children and thus help create a more equitable

distribution of learning opportunities and outcomes (Downey and Condron, 2016).

In PISA, the socio-economic gradient is traditionally used to examine the relationship

between students’ socio-economic status and their performance (OECD, 2016). More

specifically, the slope of the gradient summarizes the differences in performance observed across

socio-economic groups, while the strength of the gradient refers to how well socio-economic

status predicts performance. For a detailed discussion, see (OECD, 2016; OECD, 2018; OECD,

2013). The slope of the socio-economic gradient indicates the degree of the disparity in average

performance between two students whose socio-economic status differs by one unit in the PISA

index of economic, social and cultural status. A positive value for the slope of the socio-

economic gradient signals that advantaged students generally performed better than

disadvantaged students in PISA 2018. On average across OECD countries in 2018, a one-unit

increase in the PISA index of economic, social and cultural status was associated with an

increase of 37 score points in the reading assessment. The performance gap related to students’

socio-economic status was widest in Belarus, where a one-unit increase in the index was

associated with a difference of as much as 51 score points in reading. In Belgium, the Czech

Republic, France, Hungary, Israel, the Slovak Republic and Ukraine, the increase in the index

8
was associated with a difference of between 45 and 50 score points. By contrast, in 15 countries

and economies, the associated change in performance amounted to less than 25 score points

However, the slope of the socio-economic gradient does not describe the magnitude of the gap in

performance related to socio-economic status that may be observed between the most and the

least advantaged students within a country/economy. On average across OECD countries, the

difference in the average index of socio-economic status between disadvantaged students

(defined as those in the bottom quarter of the distribution in the PISA index of economic, social

and cultural status within their countries/economies; see Box II.2.3) and advantaged students

(those in the top quarter of the distribution) corresponded to 2.36 standard deviations in the

index. But in 9 countries, namely Belarus, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Iceland Japan, Korea,

Russia and Ukraine, this difference is less than 2 standard deviations in the index, while in 11

countries/economies, namely Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Morocco,

Panama, Peru, Portugal, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, it is greater than 3 standard deviations.

9
 CHAPTER: 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1 The Study's Title

Exploring socio-economic realities and symbolism in the tale of Nawabdin electrician .

3.2 The Study's Objectives

 Symbolism in the tale of Nawabdin Electrician.

 To determine socioeconomic realities in the tale of Nawabdin Electrician.

3.3 Methodology

A qualitative research method is adopted in this research work, because the researchers analyzed

the story “Nawabdin Electrician.” The researchers aim to identify symbolism and socioeconomic

realities in the story. Researchers intend to go through thematic analysis of the tale “Nawabdin

Electrician” written by Daniyal Mueenuddin.

3.4 Selection of the Topic

The research topic is “Exploring socio-economic realities and symbolism in the tale of Nawabdin

electrician”. The researchers intend to identify symbolism and socioeconomic realities in the

story of Nawabdin electrician. The story is about a local Pakistani boy so people of the country

will get to know how a common person can challenge the system of the country which leads to a

huge economy loss.

10
 CHAPTER: 04

DATA ANALYSIS
Nawabdin the Electrician" by Daniyal Mueenuddin is a captivating and insightful short story that

delves into the complexities of Pakistani society, particularly through the experiences of its

titular character, Nawabdin. In this analysis, we will explore the various facets of the story,

including its themes, characters, symbolism, and the socio-economic realities it portrays.

4.1 Characterization and Socioeconomic Realities

At the heart of the story is Nawabdin, an electrician by trade, who resides in Lahore, Pakistan.

Nawabdin is not just a character; he embodies the aspirations, struggles, and resilience of the

working-class people in Pakistan. His profession as an electrician reflects the blue-collar

workforce, which often goes unnoticed and underappreciated.

From the very beginning, the story vividly depicts the economic disparities within Pakistani

society. Nawabdin's clients, the Pirzada family, live in a lavish home with air conditioning – a

stark contrast to Nawabdin's own modest abode. This stark difference highlights the gaping

chasm between the privileged upper class and the struggling lower class.

4.2 Socioeconomic Disparities

The stark inequality between the rich and the poor in Pakistan is one of the story's main topics.

The affluent lifestyle of the Pirzada family stands in stark contrast to Nawabdin's existence and

troubles. The general socio-economic inequalities that exist in many societies are reflected in this

theme. The novel examines how luck and fate can influence a person's life. The unexpected

meeting between Nawabdin and Sultan and the subsequent events show how chance encounters

11
may have a significant impact on a person's life. This motif emphasises the unpredictability and

uncertainty that the working class must deal with.

4.3 Cultural Expectations

Nawabdin's choice to throw his daughter an opulent wedding highlights the cultural and societal

expectations that are placed on people. As many people are pressured to comply with traditional

conventions, often at tremendous personal expense, it serves as a commentary on the conflict

between tradition and realism.

4.4 Character Development

The core of the narrative is the persona of Nawabdin. He is a multifaceted character that

personifies tenacity and grit. He is a realistic and sympathetic character due to his unwavering

dedication to his career and family in spite of his low resources. His choice to incur debt in order

to pay for his daughter's wedding demonstrates his readiness to give up comforts in order to

respect family customs.

Throughout the narrative, Nawabdin's character also experiences substantial development. He is

forced to face danger and uncertainty as a result of his encounter with Sultan, which elevates him

from a common electrician to a type of hero. This change demonstrates how bravery and inner

strength can be found in people even in trying circumstances.

4.5 Irony and Laughter

Irony and humour are two of the story characteristic writing styles. Nawabdin has humorous

exchanges with a variety of characters, such as Sultan and Mr. Pirzada. Situational irony abounds

in the narrative, whereby fortuitous events and coincidences provide both humorous and moving

12
moments. This humour draws attention to the absurdity of living in a society where there are

wide-ranging economic differences.

4.6 Cultural realism

The novel accurately depicts the many social and cultural aspects of Lahore, Pakistan. It offers

readers a look of the customs, principles, and difficulties that Pakistanis confront on a daily

basis. The plot is more deep and complex because of great observation and accurate portrayal of

cultural practices.

4.7 Critique of Socioeconomic Realities

"Nawabdin the Electrician" is a hilarious and engaging comedy that also offers a critique of

Pakistan's socioeconomic conditions. It calls into question the unfair distribution of resources

and opportunities as well as the effects of unforeseen circumstances on people's lives. The

narrative encourages readers to consider the complex interactions between socioeconomic

variables and individual agency in the lives of common people.

4.8 Conclusion

In "Nawabdin the Electrician," Daniyal Mueenuddin crafts a compelling narrative that delves

into the socioeconomic realities of Pakistan through the experiences of Nawabdin. Through

symbolism, character development, themes, and humor, the story offers a thought-provoking

exploration of class distinctions, cultural expectations, and the role of luck and fate in shaping

individual destinies. Nawabdin's journey from an ordinary electrician to a hero underscores the

resilience and strength that can be found within individuals facing economic challenges. This

story, while humorous and entertaining, provides a deeper understanding of the complexities of

Pakistani society and the human spirit in the face of adversity.

13
 CHAPTER: 5

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

While Daniyal Mueenuddin’s "Nawabdin the Electrician" is mostly a comedic and character-

driven story, it also uses symbolism to shed light on Pakistan's socioeconomic conditions. Here

are some examples of symbolism from the narrative and how they relate to these truths:

5.1 The Fan and the Air-Conditioner

Symbolism: The fan that Nawabdin repairs for the wealthy Pirzada family symbolizes the basic

needs of the working-class people in Pakistan. It represents the modest aspirations of individuals

like Nawabdin, who strive to provide essential comforts for their families.

Significance: The story contrasts the fan with the air-conditioner owned by the Pirzada family.

The air-conditioner symbolizes luxury, excess, and the stark contrast between the lifestyles of the

wealthy and the working class. It serves as a reminder of the vast disparities in living conditions.

5.2 The Motorcycle

Symbolism: Nawabdin's motorcycle is not just a mode of transportation; it symbolizes his

dreams and aspirations for mobility and advancement. It represents the desire for upward

socioeconomic mobility that many working-class individuals in Pakistan aspire to achieve.

Significance: When Nawabdin's motorcycle is stolen, it highlights the fragility of his

socioeconomic status. The loss of this symbol of mobility and progress is a setback that impacts

his family's financial stability and underscores the unpredictability of life for the working class.

14
5.3 The Looter (Dacoit)

Symbolism: The encounter with the looter, who turns out to be a legendary dacoit, symbolizes

the element of chance and unpredictability in the lives of working-class individuals. Nawabdin's

interaction with the dacoit becomes a turning point in the story, illustrating how a single chance

encounter can significantly impact one's life.

Significance: The dacoit represents the darker, more dangerous side of society, where crime and

violence are sometimes seen as the only means of survival for marginalized individuals. His

presence highlights the harsh realities faced by many in the lower socioeconomic strata.

5.4 The Wedding and the Debt

Symbolism: Nawabdin's decision to go into debt to finance his daughter's wedding symbolizes

the societal pressures and cultural expectations placed on working-class families in Pakistan. It

reflects the sacrifices made by individuals like Nawabdin to maintain social appearances and

fulfill traditional customs.

Significance: The wedding and the associated debt underscore the cycle of poverty and

indebtedness that can trap working-class families. This symbolizes the struggle to break free

from socioeconomic constraints and the challenge of balancing tradition with financial reality.

5.5 Conclusion

In "Nawabdin the Electrician," the use of symbolism gives the narrative depth by highlighting

the aspirations, difficulties, and inequalities within Pakistani society. These symbols work as

narrative aids that deepen the reader's comprehension of the characters' social circumstances and

their wider ramifications.

15
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