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"The young woman on the stretcher moved slightly. Her hands groped for the cord that kept her shalwar tied round her waist. With painful slowness, she unfastened it, pulled the garment down and opened her thighs."
"The young woman on the stretcher moved slightly. Her hands groped for the cord that kept her shalwar tied round her waist. With painful slowness, she unfastened it, pulled the garment down and opened her thighs."
Click on the image or heading above to access this short story, which is taken directly from our edition of Mottled Dawn. It’s important to use this specific version—the one from the book—rather than any other version you might come across online. Since this is a translated text, other versions may differ in their translation and interpretation.
Consider This...
Consider This...
The "Consider This..." questions are designed to help you think about the methods used by the writer, and the different ways in which the text could be interpreted. Collect evidence and give possible answers to each of the questions to better understand this story.
Skill Builders
Skill Builders
کھول دو
کھول دو
Manto's original Urdu title "Khol Do" (Open It) is strikingly direct and visceral, drawing immediate attention to the harrowing climax of the story. The English title, "The Return," shifts focus, emphasizing the broader theme of displacement, loss, and the desperate hope for reunion after the Partition. While the Urdu title confronts readers with the shocking moment of Sakina's trauma, the English title offers a more reflective tone, exploring the emotional and physical toll of these events. This change reveals how translation can alter a story's focus and emotional impact.
Consider: How does the shift in title from Khol Do to The Return influence your interpretation of the story and its central themes?
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