Civilizational Clash in the Novel "Darpok"

Abstract

The novel Darpok presents a comparative study of Eastern and Western societies. The Eastern society is marked by traditional values, family bonds, hospitality, and religious inclinations, but also plagued by corruption, poverty, and disregard for law. The Western society emphasizes individual freedom, rule of law, punctuality, and equal opportunities, yet suffers from spiritual emptiness and weakened family ties. Through the dialogue between the characters Arora and Sonia, the strengths and weaknesses of both systems are highlighted. The novel also critiques the self-serving elite, bureaucratic exploitation, rural system flaws, and the political nature of the panchayat. Hussain Shahid’s literary style and Dr. Mushtaq Adil’s idiomatic translation make the text engaging and eloquent. This work offers readers a balanced understanding of both societal frameworks and provokes thought on how to blend progress with moral and cultural values. It is both a social critique and a bridge between two contrasting worlds. In this article the same nove is discussed.