Marginalization in Muhammad Hanif’s Our Lady of Alice Bhatti

Abstract

 Marginalization is a significant and enduring issue in today’s world, impacting religious minorities and women, especially in patriarchal societies. This paper delves into the portrayal of marginalization in Muhammad Hanif’s novel, Our Lady of Alice Bhatti (2011). The story follows Alice Bhatti, a Christian nurse living in Karachi, as she grapples with pervasive discrimination and injustice. Through this narrative, Hanif offers a critical perspective on the systemic inequalities confronting marginalized groups in Pakistan. Using Fairclough's three-dimensional model of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), the study explores how language and discourse mirror and sustain the marginalization of individuals based on religion and socio-economic status. A close reading of the text brings forward recurring themes of religious and gender-based discrimination, class divisions, and the complexities of identity that define Alice’s experiences. Hanif’s narrative serves as a sharp critique of societal norms that dehumanize and oppress individuals, especially those from minority backgrounds. Alice’s interactions with her peers and the larger community expose deeply ingrained prejudices and violence, particularly targeting women and religious minorities. The analysis highlights how Alice's identity as a Christian woman from a lower socio-economic class intensifies her challenges, rendering her even more vulnerable. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by addressing a gap in exploring marginalized voices in Pakistani literature. By widening the focus beyond feminist viewpoints, it emphasizes the importance of understanding the broader socio-political forces shaping marginalized lives. Ultimately, the study underscores the potential of literature to drive social awareness and cultivate empathy, urging readers to confront the harsh realities of discrimination and violence that marginalized communities endure.