Essay Questions

Who was Uncle Hamid?

Uncle Hamid was Laila’s uncle and her guardian after the death of her grandfather. He had a chauvinistic attitude towards Laila and the women of his home. Although he represents himself as a liberal and open-minded person, actually he is biased against Western modes of education and traditions.

How was Hamid’s attitude towards Laila?

Uncle Hamid wanted Laila to behave according to his desires. Laila wanted to get an education according to western modes but he was against Laila’s education. Under his autocratic rule, Laila considers herself a prisoner but despite of all the restrictions, Uncle Hamid thinks that Laila is enjoying complete freedom. He asks her whether she has the freedom to thought or not. She replies that she does not possess the freedom to action.

What does Laila conceive about Indian education?

After getting admission in an Indian university, Laila realizes that Indian mode of education is not according to the western way. Although there were no gender segregation but the university was mainly a center of political riots and prejudice against the people who belong to the opposite groups. The political dominance in the educational institution urged Laila to join a group of rebels, who resented the rule of Englishmen. Although Laila had no interest in politics but still she had to become a part of political activism owing to the prevailing situation in the university.

Why was Laila living a lonely life?

Laila’s parents died when she was very young, and she was left to her grandfather. After the death of her guardian, she had to live in Uncle Hamid’s house. Uncle Hamid was very conservative, and Laila never felt at home under his rule. She married Ameer by going against her uncle, but he also died in the riots in India. Laila lost her loved ones and she was left alone.