17th Annual Student Research Conference
Language & Literature
Homeland and Displacement: Issues of Loss in Agha Shahid Ali's "Postcard from Kashmir"
Trevor J. Alexander
Dr. Hena Ahmad, Faculty Mentor
Agha Shahid Ali intended for his readers to examine “Postcard from Kashmir” carefully, and ensured that they do so by placing it first, and actually separate from the collection The Half-Inch Himalayas. Although many of the poems in The Half-Inch Himalayas wrestle with loss, this poem deals with loss of home; displacement such as the author experienced is the theme of “Postcard”. The use of a postcard rather than another method of communication is the most noteworthy choice that Ali makes in the poem. This decision initiates all the major ideas of the piece. Ali’s language ability strengthens the sense of loss of nation and identity produced by relocation from Kashmir to a new position. Impeccable diction conveys profound meaning with few words in Ali’s work; the poem’s clean, exemplary style and significance to the author make it remarkable.
Keywords:
Topic(s):English
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 7-4
Location: VH 1304
Time: 9:15