27th Annual Student Research Conference
Walking the Line; Freedom and Violence in the Shadow Lines
Abigayle D. Phillips
Dr. Hena Ahmad, Faculty Mentor
In my paper I will be examining the thin line between violence and freedom that is weaved throughout the book, The Shadow Lines by Amitav Ghosh. Ghoshs novel was published in 1988, four years after the violence that shook New Delhi in the aftermath of their prime minister being assassinated. Violence and freedom are shown to have many faces in this novel. I want to inquire at the various faces of freedom and brutality throughout the book, in their obviousness and subtlety. There are many forms of violence; from something as small as Ilas false sense of freedom to the riots that are described on the streets. There are many powerful lines in this book that not only connect the violence seen from freedom but the very real yet non-existing lines, which divide nations, people, and families. Which brings up the question of what I will ask, what is real freedom and what will we do to achieve it?
Keywords: the shadow lines, freedom, violence
Topic(s):English
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 308-4
Location: VH 1320
Time: 1:45