Open It ! Short Story by Sa‘adat Hasan Manto:
Sa'adat Hasan Manto, a renowned Urdu writer, has masterfully depicted the agony and desperation of the Partition era in his poignant short story titled "Open It!". In a time of turmoil and disorder, the story narrates the traumatic journey of Sirajuddin, a grief-stricken father desperately searching for his missing daughter, Sakina. Manto's evocative portrayal of human suffering and resilience is a powerful reminder of the profound impact of historical events on individual lives.
Sa'adat Hasan Manto's short story "Open It!" is a heartbreaking Tale of Loss and Hope. With a profound portrayal of human suffering and resilience, Manto captures the essence of historical events and their profound impact on individual lives. In this blog, we will explore the significance and intricacies of "Open It!" while delving into its poignant themes and the mastery of Manto's storytelling.
Plot and Thematic Relevance
1. The Brutal Exodus and A World Turned Upside Down
The story begins with a grim depiction of the Partition's aftermath. As the special train departs from Amritsar, chaos ensues, with passengers falling victim to violence and displacement. Amidst the mayhem, Sirajuddin finds himself in a refugee camp, overwhelmed by the sea of people and his numbed senses.
2. The Flickering Memories and A Desperate Search
While looking up at the sky, Sirajuddin's mind awakens as a ray of sunlight pierces through the haze of his thoughts. Images of the rioting, the train station, and his daughter Sakina flood his consciousness. Filled with renewed determination, he begins his relentless quest to find his beloved daughter, traversing the camp's labyrinthine chaos.
3. The Desolation of Loss and Memories and Desperation
Sirajuddin tirelessly scours the camp for hours, desperately calling out Sakina's name. The cacophony of distraught voices blends into an overwhelming symphony of anguish. Very tired, Sirajuddin's mind returns to the haunting image of his wife's tragic death, obstructing his recollections of the precise moment Sakina separated him. The burden of uncertainty engulfs him.
4. The Beacon of Hope and Allies in a Dark Time
After six arduous days, Sirajuddin encounters a group of benevolent young men, who, moved by his plight, offer their assistance. Equipped with a lorry and rifles, they pledge to help him find Sakina. Sirajuddin fervently describes his daughter, her appearance, and their shared memories, instilling hope in the volunteers and himself.
5. The Encountered Miraculous Reunion and Light at the End of the Tunnel
During their search, the volunteers spot a girl walking alone near Chuhrat. The sight of their lorry startles her, triggering a panicked flight. Pursuing her, they eventually catch up in a field. The girl, resembling Sirajuddin's description of Sakina, initially hesitates but finally acknowledges her true identity. Overwhelmed with relief, they provide her comfort and ensure her safe return.
6. The Agonizing Wait and Prayers and Desperation
Days turn into nights as Sirajuddin anxiously awaits news of his daughter's well-being. While he tirelessly searches camps and offices, hope battles against the persistent fear of loss. He prays for the success of the volunteers who promised to reunite him with Sakina, finding solace in their unwavering determination.
7. The Divine Intervention and a Bittersweet Revelation
Fate intervenes as Sirajuddin encounters the volunteers at the camp once again. Filled with anticipation, he implores them about Sakina's fate. With resolute assurance, they embark on their mission, leaving Sirajuddin's heart a little lighter, burdened by hope rather than despair.
8. The Illuminating Discovery and a Father's Unending Love
A commotion near the camp captures Sirajuddin's attention one evening. Men carry a stretcher, announcing the discovery of an unconscious girl near the train tracks. Eagerly following them, Sirajuddin enters a room where the light illuminates a lifeless body. To his astonishment, he recognizes the unmistakable black mole on the girl's face, confirming his worst fears.
9. The Miraculous Awakening and a New Beginning
The doctor, sensing something amiss, urges Sirajuddin to open the window. As the fresh air caresses Sakina's lifeless form, a faint stir emanates from her. In a moment of overwhelming joy, Sirajuddin realizes his daughter is alive.
So, Sa'adat Hasan Manto's "Open It!" vividly depicts the human tragedy that unfolded during the Partition. Through the agonizing journey of Sirajuddin, the story encapsulates the profound impact of loss, the desperate quest for loved ones, and the enduring power of hope. Manto's skilful narrative is a memorial to the human spirit's determination in the face of incredibly difficult conditions.
Summary of Manto’s "Open It!"
The special train follows a hazardous route as it departs Amritsar towards Mughalpura, involving injuries, fatalities, and the missing of many individuals. He finds himself catches in an experience of discomfort due to the scope of the present scenario, with his capacity to think and comprehend failing him.
Staring at the bleak sky, Sirajuddin's eyes meet the sun, and a ray of intense light penetrates his being, stirring him back to consciousness. Suddenly, a flood of images rushes through his mind—scenes of violence, fires, stampedes, the train station, gunshots, night's darkness, and Sakina's face. With determination, he springs into action, traversing the camp like a man possessed, desperately searching for his beloved daughter.
For three gruelling hours, Sirajuddin tirelessly calls out for Sakina amidst the chaos of the camp. The cacophony of voices searching for their loved ones blends into an overwhelming symphony of anguish. Very tired, Sirajuddin's mind becomes entangled in the memory of his wife's tragic demise, hindering his recollection of the moment Sakina was separated from him. The weight of uncertainty consumes him.
After six days of relentless searching, Sirajuddin encounters a group of compassionate young men willing to assist him. Equipped with a lorry and rifles, they pledge their support in finding Sakina. Sirajuddin fervently describes his daughter, her appearance, and the memories they share, igniting hope not only within himself but also in the hearts of these volunteers.
During their search, the volunteers spot a girl walking alone near Chuhrat. Startled by the sight of their lorry, she flees in panic. Determined, they chase after her and eventually catch up in a field. The girl, bearing a striking resemblance to Sakina, hesitates but finally acknowledges her true identity. Overwhelmed with relief, they provide her with comfort and ensure her safe return.
Days turn into nights as Sirajuddin anxiously awaits news of his daughter's well-being. Tirelessly, he continues his search, visiting camps and offices, fueled by a delicate balance of hope and fear. In the depths of despair, he finds solace in his prayers and the unwavering determination of the volunteers who promised to reunite him with Sakina.
Fate finally brings Sirajuddin face-to-face with the volunteers at the camp. As they prepare to depart for Amritsar on their rescue mission, he implores them for news of Sakina. With assurances of their unwavering dedication, they set off, leaving Sirajuddin with a glimmer of hope and a renewed sense of gratitude.
Amidst the commotion, news of an unconscious girl found near the train tracks arrives. Sirajuddin follows the crowd to the hospital, where he encounters the lifeless body on a stretcher. In a moment of profound revelation, he recognizes the distinctive black mole on the girl's face, confirming his worst fears. However, urged by the doctor, he opens the window, allowing fresh air to touch the girl's form. Miraculously, Sakina stirs, returning to life and reuniting with her father in a euphoric moment of redemption.
Conclusion:
Sa‘adat Hasan Manto's "OpenIt!" encapsulates the tragedy and resilience witnessed during the Partition era. Through the haunting journey of Sirajuddin, the story portrays the profound impact of loss, the desperation of searching for loved ones, and the indomitable power of hope. Manto's outstanding narratives, filled with beautiful images and exciting topics, provide a heartbreaking lesson about humanity's capacity in the face of enormous tragedy.
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"Open It!" stands as a testament to the enduring power of love and the miraculous possibilities that can arise amidst the darkest times.
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