Page 257 - DENG503_INDIAN_WRITINGS_IN_LITERATURE

Unit 30: Mahesh Dattani: Final Solution—Plot Construction

masks on sticks]. Which more or less encircle the Gandhi home? The representation of the younger Notes
Hardika [Daksha] takes place on another level, thus ensuring that the past always remains in front
of us and can not be forgotten. The play 'Final Solution' begins with the silent introspective
conversation of Daksha with her diary. Reflecting on the whole gamut of memories, examining
the various course of events, she concludes, things have not changed that much". with the
recollections of independence, the memory flashes how a stone hit her gramophone table and the
entire collection of records broken "Shamshad Begum, Noor Jehan, Suraiya…." In the present, her
consciousness is broken with the interruption of the sound of the members of chorus pouring out
their aggression hatred and prejudice. Swayed by religious fanaticism and national prejudices,
they are wild with contempt and revenge. One of them challenges… "This is our land". The
collective voice of their slogans becomes a part of a crescendo. There is chaos in voice, uncertainty
of identity and lack of organization in action. Smita, the grand daughter anxiety for the safety of
her Muslim friend Tasneem who had been trapped inside the hostel in bombing. Dattani represents
two communities through the change of masks.
This device of changing the mask is quite significant. Behind the mask each member of the chorus
is a human being and here lies the roots of dramatic tension in the play 'Final Solution'. The mob
frenzy of Muslims is vitalized in the second appearance of mob/chorus. Sacrificing their humanity
and religious faiths, they make a mockery of God and Goddesses. They have such comments,
"Their God now prostrates before us" and ridicules with an indention of vengeance "Doesn't their
God have a warranty?" But in collective tone mentions, "We are neither idol makers nor breakers."
Ramnik, the son of Hardika in spite of his sympathy for Muslims, is not convinced by the ideology
of Hardika. With his liberal and dynamic attitude, he tries to sustain the values of faith and
human love beyond communal disharmony. He gives shelter to two Muslim boys Bobby and
Javed and protects them from mob fury. Being in panic they are apprehensive of their own security.
Two unidentified members of the chorus assault them; snatch their watch with out knowing their
real identity and portion. The irrational fury of chorus let them no opportunity to reveal their
identity.
One of them doubts "something gives chase and some of their blows strike the two men who cry
in pain. Ramnik Gandhi finally opens the gate and gives shelter to all of these two boys. Hardika's
conscience suspends and turns back to the past. Chorus even invades the house of Ramnik crying
"throw them out, we'll kill them." The irrational and unorganized behavior of the crowd is the
external manifestation of prejudice that admits no rational justification of human thought. The
gestures, the actions, the dialogues are all well coordinated to express the fury of the mob in the
frenzy to kill Bobby and Javed. Ramnik is determined, "I have to protect them! I need to protect
them." Dattani maintains the dramatic conflict and minutely records the reactions that are integrated
in human pryche time and again, they erupt spontaneously chain of events.
Hence action in the play moves not in isolation but takes within itself the invisible clash of motives
that are more true to the real life experiences. Aruna provides water to Javed but holds the glasses
with her thumbs and index fingers on the sides. Further she places the glass of Javed separate
from other glasses. The chorus from the outside warns them to be aware of their moves and
motives, "They will stab you in the back! They'll rape your daughter - throw them out." The
hesitation of Aruna coordinates with the thoughts of mob and makes a pattern of religious frenzy.
The play 'Final Solution' is divided in three acts. These three acts of drama mark a gradual
development of action towards the solution. First act is the extortion, second is climax and the
third is solution. In the second act, the social conflict merges in familial conflict. Smita, the daughter
recognizes Javed and Bobby but her recognition of their identities, stirs a greater doubt and
contempt in the mind of two. The consistently apprehensive mood of Aruna makes Javed irritates,
"Thank you for your protection." Hardika fails to tolerate them in her home. As soon as a stone is
hurdled, she looks at the stone and shouts at Javed. If Aruna is prejudiced. Javed is also not free

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