EXPLORING SUPPRESSION AND CONFLICT IN THE DISCOURSES OF MOHSIN HAMID’S MOTH SMOKE

Purpose of the Study: This paper explores suppression and conflicts projected through the linguistic choices used by the characters in Moth Smoke. The chief argument of the study is to analyze as to how the less powerful are suppressed through language and how far such discourses give rise to conflicts and cause an imbalance in society. Methodology: The study uses Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as a methodological and theoretical framework. The role of CDA is to expose the evils constructed in a piece of literature. It provides the essential tools for analyzing social evils and injustices. As the novel is replete with social inequalities and injustices, CDA is proper for the critical investigation of the evils understudy. Principal Findings: Most of the time, the powerful strive to control the institutions while the powerless have no access to basic needs. The study explored the themes of suppression of the powerless strata of society. It also explored the theme of conflict due to the unequal distribution of wealth and privileges in society. Mohsin Hamid’s Moth Smoke (2000) depicts the Pakistani society constructing the distinction between the two classes described in the novel. Application of the Study: This research will help teachers and students who wish to analyze literary pieces objectively. This research is helpful to bring to light the suppression of the powerless by the powerful, power exercise, and conflict between the two social groups through the use of language.  Novelty/Originality of the Study: Hamid’s Moth Smoke has been analyzed from many perspectives, but the current study explores suppression, conflict, and power abuse from the standpoint of CDA. The study is not descriptive but critical as well as explanatory, which makes it original and unique.