Narrativizing Silence: Autobiographical Voices in Tehmina Durrani’s my Feudal Lord

Abstract

Autobiographical narratives hold a unique position in human communication, serving as powerful tools for self-reflection, identity formation, and interpersonal connection. The paper aims to delve into the rich domain of the autobiographical study of My Feudal Lord by Tehmina Durrani to unravel the multifaceted nature of personal storytelling and its broader socio-political implications. Writing puts Durrani in command of the events, and she provides the reader with details of the starkest realities of not only her personal life but also of the then socio-political arena of Pakistan. Her narrative becomes a trope that holds a mirror to the patriarchal-feudal setup of subcontinent countries like Pakistan. Denouncing the ill effects of the patriarchal-feudal setup, she strives to amplify the voices of the marginalised and oppressed. Durrani, by recounting her personal narrative, concurrently elevates the voices of several underprivileged and persecuted women whose experiences are frequently muted. Her story turns into a potent resistance metaphor that tackles topics like social injustice, gender-based violence, and the relationship between individual trauma and broader systemic forces. My Feudal Lord is a powerful critique of the ingrained power structures that uphold injustice and oppression, not just a personal story.

The objective of this paper is to examine how Durrani employs autobiographical narrative as a medium for personal empowerment and socio-political critique, with a focus on its role in challenging patriarchal-feudal structures while amplifying marginalized voices in feminist discourse. A qualitative research methodology incorporating a close textual analysis of My Feudal Lord will be employed while undertaking the research. By writing the memoir, Durrani regains her voice to challenge and overthrow patriarchy's power, crafting a story that speaks much more than her own experiences. The act of writing serves as a means of defiance for Durrani, enabling her to transform her pain into a source of strength.