Write a note on the theme of the story the Jungle Major ? Comment on the picture of society drawn by temsula Ao.
Answers
The theme of the story the Jungle Major:
The setting of the story ‘The Jungle Major’ is in the war zone of Nagaland. It is based on two individuals Khatila and Punaba who are married. The setting is during the times of insurgency in Nagaland. The society judges them because Katila is tall and beautiful and her brothers are well educated, whereas Punaba is uneducated, short and dark and not capable of earning much.
In the society, a man is supposed to earn well and the lady is supposed to be a homemaker irrespective of her capabilities. The couple also does not have children and the villagers pass judgments on this aspect of their lives. Khatila although a fierce and forthright woman, keeps her calm because her husband who is a taxi driver has joined the rebel gang.
She knows she cannot antagonize them because of her husband. The Major is surprised by her refusal to submit herself to societal norms which is a very rare thing. The story brings out the Government’s attitude and the Army’s behavior during the wartime which is totally different from what is portrayed.
Burning of houses, molestation, damaging property and torturing men seemed to be the norm, so much so the people were antagonistic to them. The society demands submissiveness which the couple were not ready to yield to.
Answer :
- The Jungle Major By Temsula Ao is a short story which is part of a larger collection of short stories titled “These Hills called home: Stories from a war zone“. ... The narrative is intense because of the context of war it is set in, and societal norms through which it weaved.