Gender Representation through Conceptual Metaphors in Pakistani Literary Discourse: A Study of Moth Smoke by Mohsin Hamid

Abstract

This research work aims to explore the differences and similarities among conceptual metaphors used for male and female genders in Pakistani society and thus, compare and contrast the conceptualization of both genders prevailing in our country. The theoretical framework of Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) has been followed in this work and the method of Content Analysis has been used. As far as the sample of this study is concerned, Mohsin Hamid’s novel Moth Smoke serves the purpose. The fact that Moth Smoke has been written by a Pakistani writer within Pakistani context provides the basis for assuming it to be an appropriate source of the required data. The results formulated on the basis of the selected metaphors reveal that in our society, male and female genders are conceptualized differently and hence, are assigned different roles. For instance, male gender is considered to be dominant and men are expected to feed their families by earning well and maintaining strong social relations. On the other hand, female gender is considered to be submissive and women are supposed to look after their families and play their part in nurturing others. The results of the present work may prove to be useful for the researchers planning to study the role of conceptual metaphors in perception of gender and the use of these metaphors in literature for representing gender.