Document Type : Conference Paper
Abstract
Based on a qualitative study, this research paper analyzes how Megha Majumdar's A Burning responds to the intricate interplay between political turmoil and personal identity. Situated in present-day India, the novel explores the conundrum of oppressed groups in the context of Hindu nationalism and media manipulation. The research clings on to three overall themes through the parallel narratives of Jivan, PT Sir, and Lovely: the effect of political identification on human agency, the dangers of social identification within totalitarian states, and the ambivalence of the media as both instrument of empowerment and oppression. Although, "some books ought to burn" since they contain hate or deceit, according to Stafford. If one reads the poetry without preconceived notions, they will miss out on this fresh perspective. In addition to the well-known issue of censorship as a result of book burning, Stafford makes a strong thematic argument by arguing that, while the practice of burning books has a dark and complicated history, the even darker alternative not speaking up to share and acquire knowledge is much worse.
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