Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

I have always wondered about the events of Karbala and their import. One of the early novelists of the Bengal Renaissance, Mir Mosharaff Hossain discusses this important event of history and myth, with a mix of tragedic and legendary elements. The first part describes Hasan's slow death due to poisoning, as well as Hussein's agonizing end on the dusty plain of Karbala. A certain fatalism pervades throughout, as the characters are often seen to meet their fate on the road they take to avoid it, and the original prophecies come true at the end. The second and third parts describe the rescue of Hussein's family from Yazid's depredations, and Yazid's eventual demise (summarized in my edition). It is a sad tale on a truly epic scale. The author suggests the role of Zainab, a Helen of Troy, as being as fundamental to the brewing conflict as Yazid's debauchery and political reasons; with the character's transformation from a lovesick sensitive youth to a cruel tyrant.

The characters do however seem to be a bit one-dimensional, the 'good guys' remain good throughout, and are shown to be almost hapless victims. The debauchery of Yazid seems untempered by softer concerns. Nevertheless, a good narrative of the important events of Karbala which resonates to this day as a story of dogged determination in the face of tyranny and oppression. The narrative pacing of the translation was very good. Hasan's kindness, ethical nature and youthful naivete, slowly replaced by his internal agony at betrayal, and yet, forgiveness, was very well developed.