It is known that Iran, during the 1900’s, began to experience numerous transformations due to their unstable government. Because of a chain of similar events, such as rebellion, weak or eccentric ruling, and economical failure, Iran suffered greatly causing this country to slip into turmoil and disorder. These events inevitably caused Iran to suffer into present times. One novel that portrays Iran’s flaws is known as the Touba and the Meaning of Night by Shahruush Parsipur. Overall, this author depicts how an Iranian women, named Toba, witnesses both corruption and suffrage in present day Iran.
From 1848-1896 Iran was under the control of the Qajar Dynasty, which was ruled by Nasar O-Din Shah. The novel Touba and the Meaning of Night portrays a woman, named Tuba, who was living during Nasar O-Din Shah’s rein. Overall, during this time frame Nasar O-Din Shah was unable to rule his empire with the proper authority. While ruling Iran, it was evident that the Europeans were eager to take over new regions. Unfortunately, the Qajar Dynasty was under the scoop of the European Countries, such as Russia and Britain.
In relations with the novel, Tuba was influenced, along with other characters in this novel, by both Russia and Britain’s constitutions and laws. Overall, these individuals felt that having a set constitution and aid from other countries would inevitably help their society flourish. This is seen when Parsipur depicts the Cossack Brigade, an act passed by Nasar O-Din Shah, in the novel Touba and the Meaning of Night. Overall, Russia would supply Iran during this time frame with both weaponry and cavalry. By doing this, Iran was inevitably able to defend themselves against foreign invaders and foes. In relation to Tuba, the Cossack Brigade was evident when she marries Feraydun Mirza, an Iranian prince. While visiting another Iranian prince, Tuba and Prince Mirza were frequently asked by army personal who they were and what the password was in order to continue their journey. Even though the Cossack Brigade was a good idea, it eventually failed due to poor ruling by Naser O-Din Shah’s.
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I think that Touba and the Meaning night displayed the challenges that women faced in Iran. Althought they made some progressive movements, sometimes change can be too quick and not really agee with the mood of the time.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lauren. Sometimes changes can occur so fast that one does not even realize whether it would benefit anyone. For example: Reza Shah's banning of the hijab might have been a progressive move which encouraged people to dress in a more western fashion. However, one does not really know if this was beneficial or detrimental for women because we do not really know what the hijab meant for each woman.
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