What is the significance of the title 'The Quilt' by Ismat Chughtai?

Answer 1

"LIhaf" or The English titled "the quilt" was a courageous exploration of the alternative available to women in a sexually repressive patriarchal world. It was a frontal attack on the world which in turn was understandably shocked out of its own self-absorption. quilt has been use an ingenious and dexterous way to hide and conceal things. To put a cover on reality and thus it becomes operational on many levels.

Begum jan becomes a "quilt' for nawab's own likeness for young boys.he uses his wife as a cover for his own nefarious activities.On the other instance quilt becomes a cover for begum's jan and rabbu's nightly activities. It prevents the narrator from seeing what actually is happening inside but at same time it makes her imagination runs wild.

In yet another sense "quilt" becomes a cover for women's suppressed sexuality. That is why though we are never been told what might be inside the quilt yet we have given hints to imagine what be happening inside the "quilt". On a very important level, The child narrator has been used as a "quilt" of the narrative techniques to deal with forbidden subjects.

"lihaf" or "quilt" on other instances is used to indicate the calm outer surface and the treacherous undercurrents.

Answer 2

The title "The Quilt" by Ismat Chughtai holds significant symbolic meaning in the context of the story. The quilt represents a physical object that carries emotional weight and serves as a metaphor for the complex relationships and societal norms explored in the narrative. It symbolizes the intertwined nature of love, desire, and repression among the characters, highlighting the tensions and constraints imposed by traditional values and expectations. Ultimately, the title encapsulates the central themes of the story and underscores the subtle yet powerful commentary on gender dynamics and social structures in the setting.

Answer 3

The title "The Quilt" in Ismat Chughtai's story symbolizes the secrecy, repression, and taboo surrounding female desires and sexuality in conservative societies. The quilt becomes a metaphor for the silent suffering and hidden truths that women endure due to societal expectations and restrictions.