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Critical Analysis of Vaikom Muhammad Basheer

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Rakesh Banerjee
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115 views

Critical Analysis of Vaikom Muhammad Basheer

Uploaded by

Rakesh Banerjee
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Critical Analysis of Vaikom Muhammad Basheer's "The World-Renowned Nose" as a

Satire

Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, a master of Malayalam literature, is celebrated for his wit,
humor, and profound insights into human nature. In "The World-Renowned Nose", he
employs satire to critique human vanity, societal superficiality, and the absurdities of fame
and recognition. Through his unique narrative style, Basheer uses humor as a sharp tool to
dissect and expose the fragility of societal norms, revealing the misplaced priorities and the
ludicrous obsessions that dominate human life.

The story revolves around a man whose nose is so unusually large that it becomes a source of
fascination and ridicule. The narrator's exaggerated descriptions of the nose and its "world-
renowned" status serve as a starting point for Basheer's satire. For instance, Basheer writes,
"It was not a mere nose. It was a monument, a marvel of creation!" This hyperbolic depiction
immediately sets the tone of the narrative, signaling that the tale is not to be taken literally but
rather as a commentary on human preoccupations.

By transforming the man's physical peculiarity into a spectacle, Basheer critiques the human
tendency to focus excessively on outward appearances. The nose, in this context, symbolizes
any superficial trait that society arbitrarily elevates to undue significance. The story
highlights how society often ignores deeper, more meaningful attributes in favor of fleeting
and shallow curiosities.

Basheer’s satire shines in his portrayal of the protagonist's relationship with his nose. Instead
of being embarrassed by its size, the man embraces the attention it brings him, reveling in the
fame it generates. This self-indulgence reflects a broader human tendency toward vanity and
the pursuit of recognition, even when it is based on trivial or absurd grounds.

One particularly striking moment comes when the protagonist begins to market his nose,
capitalizing on its uniqueness to achieve celebrity status. Basheer observes, "He traveled far
and wide, displaying his nose at fairs and exhibitions. People came in hordes, paying good
money to behold the wonder." This passage ridicules the commercialization of individuality
and the commodification of personal traits. It mirrors real-life instances where individuals
exploit quirks or eccentricities for fame, often at the expense of authenticity and self-respect.

Basheer also uses the nose as a symbol to critique society's misplaced priorities. The attention
the protagonist receives underscores how easily people are drawn to the bizarre and
superficial. Basheer writes, "While philosophers debated the mysteries of existence and
scientists sought cures for deadly diseases, the masses remained enthralled by the
magnificence of his nose." This ironic juxtaposition highlights the absurdity of a society that
prioritizes trivialities over substantive issues.

The story becomes a microcosm of a world obsessed with appearances, where depth and
intellect often take a backseat to spectacle. By focusing on the protagonist's nose, Basheer
invites readers to reflect on their own inclinations toward superficial judgments and fleeting
fascinations.

One of the hallmarks of Basheer’s storytelling is his use of humor, which in this story is both
light-hearted and cutting. The humor in "The World-Renowned Nose" lies in its absurdity,
with Basheer employing hyperbole and irony to amplify the ridiculousness of the situation.
For example, the narrator quips, "The nose required a room of its own. He could neither hide
it nor ignore it—it was his curse and his blessing."

Such exaggerations not only elicit laughter but also underscore the story’s satirical intent. By
pushing the boundaries of believability, Basheer forces readers to confront the irrationality of
societal obsessions. The humor serves as a vehicle for deeper reflection, ensuring that the
story resonates long after the laughter subsides.

Basheer’s satire extends beyond the individual to examine collective behavior. The public's
fascination with the nose reflects the human tendency to create celebrities out of the unusual
or the extraordinary, often ignoring the intrinsic worth of individuals. This critique is
particularly relevant in today’s context of social media and reality television, where people
often achieve fame for reasons as trivial as the protagonist's nose.

Furthermore, the protagonist's own identity becomes inseparable from his nose. Basheer
writes, "He was no longer a man but a nose attached to a man." This reduction of a person to
a single trait highlights the dangers of defining individuals by their most conspicuous or
superficial characteristics. It is a poignant reminder of the dehumanization that can result
from societal stereotypes and prejudices.

Vaikom Muhammad Basheer’s "The World-Renowned Nose" is a masterful satire that


transcends its comedic surface to deliver profound critiques of human nature and society.
Through the tale of a man and his extraordinary nose, Basheer explores themes of vanity,
societal superficiality, and the absurdity of fame, using humor and exaggeration to drive
home his points. The story’s enduring relevance lies in its ability to mirror contemporary
societal behaviors. In an age where appearances often overshadow substance, and fame can
be achieved through the most trivial means, Basheer’s satire serves as a powerful reminder of
the importance of authenticity and depth. By holding up a mirror to human follies, Basheer
invites readers to laugh at themselves while also encouraging introspection. "The World-
Renowned Nose" is not just a story about a man and his peculiar feature—it is a timeless
critique of a world that all too often prioritizes the superficial over the substantial. Through
his wit and wisdom, Basheer ensures that the tale remains as poignant and relevant today as it
was when it was first penned.

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