Marxist analysis of novel The Murder of Aziz Khan

Marxist analysis of "The Murder of Aziz Khan"

"The Murder of Aziz Khan" by Zulfikar Ghose presents an opportunity for a Marxist analysis, as it explores themes of social inequality, power dynamics, and exploitation. Through the novel's characters and their experiences, Ghose subtly critiques the capitalist system and examines the impact it has on individuals and communities.

One aspect that can be examined through a Marxist lens is the disparity in social classes. The protagonist, Aziz Khan, is portrayed as a poor and oppressed laborer who struggles to make ends meet. He and his fellow workers endure grueling conditions, low wages, and constant exploitation by their employers. This reflects Marx's concept of the proletariat, the working class that is exploited by the bourgeoisie. Ghose highlights the oppressive nature of capitalism, which allows the wealthy to maintain their status by exploiting the labor of the poor.

Furthermore, Ghose explores the power dynamics within the novel. Aziz Khan's employer, Mr. Sohail, represents the bourgeoisie and holds immense power over Aziz Khan and his colleagues. He manipulates them, pays them meager wages, and controls their lives. This power imbalance aligns with Marx's theory of class struggle, where the ruling class exploits the working class for their own gain. Ghose illustrates how this power dynamic perpetuates exploitation and perpetuates social inequality.

Quotes from the novel that exemplify these Marxist themes include:

1. "The rich man came to where the poor man was working, dressed in splendid clothes, with a cigar in his mouth, a foreign cigar, one that costs the poor man a month's wages" - This quote highlights the stark contrast between the rich and the poor. The rich man's indulgence in expensive cigars while the poor man struggles to make ends meet symbolizes the unequal distribution of wealth in a capitalist society.

2. "Aziz Khan worked harder than others, and yet he could not forget his gripes. The more he worked, the more he longed for a life that justified his skill and energy" - This quote encapsulates the disillusionment experienced by Aziz Khan. Despite his hard work, he remains stuck in a cycle of poverty and oppression. Ghose critiques the capitalist system that fails to reward hard work and perpetuates class inequality.

3. "Everywhere he looked, he saw the divide between the small shopkeeper and the landlord, society's worker bees and the drones of it, the oppressed poor and the oppressor rich" - This quote emphasizes the inherent class divisions present in society. Ghose portrays a system where the majority of individuals, like Aziz Khan, are trapped in a cycle of exploitation while a small elite class benefits from their labor.

By employing Marxist analysis, it becomes clear that "The Murder of Aziz Khan" serves as a critique of the capitalist system. Ghose's exploration of social inequality, power dynamics, and exploitation exposes the inherent flaws and inequalities of a system that prioritizes profit and perpetuates class divisions.