15/12/2025
This is the English translation of the critical, research, analytical, technical, stylistic, and comparative review of the book:
Critical and Analytical Review: Mustansar Hussain Tarar (Selected Abstract and Symbolic Short Stories: A Critical Study)
This review pertains to the book, "Mustansar Hussain Tarar (Selected Abstract and Symbolic Short Stories: A Critical Study)," a research and critical endeavor by Abdul Salam Naaz. The commentary presents the book's contents, research foundation, and literary significance across the following aspects:
1. Introduction to the Book
* Book Title: Mustansar Hussain Tarar (Selected Abstract and Symbolic Short Stories: A Critical Study)
* Author: Abdul Salam Naaz
* Nature: Research and Criticism
* Publisher: Gul Bakawali Publications
* First Edition: September 2024
2. Research and Analytical Review
Subject and Purpose of Research
This thesis offers a critical study of Mustansar Hussain Tarar's selected abstract and symbolic short stories.
The author posits that the Urdu short story holds exceptional importance in the contemporary era. The fundamental reason is that, due to busy schedules and the magnetic pull of mobile phones, readers prefer the concise form of the short story over longer genres like novels and epics.
The author claims that Tarar’s literature is rapidly gaining popularity and that he has introduced new experiments in travelogues, novels, and dramas. The reason cited for dedicating this research to Tarar's short stories is that, despite being fewer in number compared to his works in other genres, they are superior in terms of quality and uniqueness. The research aims to guide contemporary readers in identifying short stories that meet the highest standards of subject matter and style.
Analytical Outline (Chapters and Discussions)
The book is divided into four chapters, clearly indicating a structured and comprehensive analytical scope:
* Chapter I: Presents a biographical, literary, and personal sketch of Mustansar Hussain Tarar.
* Chapter II: Includes the selection and fundamental discussions of Tarar's abstract short stories (e.g., ‘Aadhi Raat Ka Sooraj’ (The Sun of Midnight), ‘Siyah Aankh Mein Tasveer’ (Picture in the Black Eye), ‘Darakht’ (The Tree), ‘Baba Bugloos’).
* Chapter III (Technical Merits): Studies the technical merits and artistry of the short stories.
* Chapter IV (Theme and Characters): Studies the themes (social, moral, ethical, natural) and characterization in the short stories.
3. Critical, Technical, and Stylistic Review
Technical and Stylistic Aspects
A significant portion of the book examines the technical and intellectual merits of Tarar’s short stories. According to the author, the twentieth and twenty-first centuries are witnessing new and unique experiments in short story writing, with the most experimentation occurring on the form, subject, and style of the short story.
The critical point is that the modern short story writer is accepting the influence of Western civilization and experimenting in the light of Western literature, which has consequently altered the structure (Hi'at) of the Urdu short story. Tarar is counted among these modernist writers who are accustomed to changing the form of their stories and introducing new innovations.
Chapter IV discusses the technical aspects of the themes, including important stylistic trends such as Romanticism and Revolution, Modern Sensibility, the Tradition of ‘Tarar-Shikani’ (Tarar-Breaking/Criticism), and Escapism.
Critical Angle
Through the biographical, literary, and personal sketch, the research provides a detailed background of Tarar’s personality and literary contributions. When discussing the themes, critical questions are raised concerning their moral justification and their connection and divergence from the real human being.
4. Comparative Review
The research clearly articulates its comparative aspect, presenting a study of Tarar’s short stories within three different literary contexts:
* In the Context of the Progressive Writers Movement: Tarar's stories are examined in light of the prevalent trends of the Progressive Movement.
* In Comparison to Intizar Hussain's Short Stories: This is a direct comparative study where Tarar’s work is evaluated against the short story writing of Intizar Hussain.
* In the Historical Tradition of the Urdu Short Story: The book's introduction discusses the history of the Urdu short story and the controversy over the primacy of early short story writers (such as Rasheed ul Khairi, Sajjad Haider Yaldaram, Premchand), thereby placing Tarar’s work within this historical evolution.
Conclusion
"Mustansar Hussain Tarar (Selected Abstract and Symbolic Short Stories: A Critical Study)" is a comprehensive research effort that not only deeply analyzes the technical, intellectual, and stylistic facets of Mustansar Hussain Tarar's short story writing but also provides a rich comparative and critical study by placing it within the overall tradition of the Urdu short story and the contexts of Progressivism and Modernism.