A Mother’s Battle During the Bangladesh War of Independence

Abigail R. Hemmer
Dr. Hena Ahmad, Faculty Mentor

Tahmima Anam’s novel, A Golden Age (2007), depicts one family’s experience during Bangladesh’s War of Independence, in 1971. Narrating Rehana Haque’s story of her battle as a widowed mother, the novel presents the tensions and conflicts that challenge her as she navigates both her inner world and the physical reality of the war. This paper will explore Rehana’s role as a mother who fights for her children, Maya and Sohail, and her nation, and how she resolves her psychological conflict driven by language issues. Moreover, this paper will illuminate how the novel brings attention to women’s participation in the war effort. 

 

Keywords: A Golden Age, Tahmima Anam, Bangladesh War of Independence, Motherhood, Language Issues, Sacrifice, National Identity, Freedom

Topic(s):English

Presentation Type: Oral Presentation

Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA