The Portrayal of Social Realism in Select Short Stories of Sulaiman Layeq: A Critical Analysis of "The Dawn Over Abasin"

Zabihullah Adabpal; Rameshsingh M. Chauhan

doi:10.18172/cif.7040

Authors

Zabihullah Adabpal Kandahar University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3143-9828
Rameshsingh M. Chauhan Sardar Vallabhbhai Vanijya Mahavidyalaya College https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0556-6743

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18172/cif.7040

Keywords:

Social Realism, Sulaiman Layeq, Short Stories, Poverty, Oppression, Exploitation

Abstract

This study critically analyzes the contemporary Pashto literary work The Dawn Over Abasin ‎(1983) by Sulaiman Layeq through the lens of Social Realism as a literary theory. The short ‎story collection substantially employs social realist elements to portray fundamental aspects ‎of Afghan society, particularly the systemic oppression of marginalized groups by dominant ‎social forces in both rural and urban contexts. This qualitative research is based on relevant ‎and authoritative Pashto books, scholarly articles, and credible online sources. A thematic ‎analysis approach was adopted to ensure a comprehensive examination of social realist ‎themes within the text. The findings indicate that Layeq demonstrates profound insight into ‎Afghan society and systematically articulates social realism through compelling and ‎illustrative narrative representations that both directly and indirectly reinforce the ‎theoretical framework. The author consistently advocates for the poor, the exploited, and the ‎oppressed, while explicitly condemning oppressive structures within society. For instance, in ‎the short story “The Real Hero,” Layeq vividly depicts prevailing poverty and amplifies the ‎voices of marginalized social strata.‎

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