Tears And Tales: A Thematic Exploration of Al-'Abarât and Surabhi in Comparative Perspective

This paper explores the thematic richness of Muṣṭafâ Luṭfî al-Manfalûṭî’s Al-‘Abarât and Lakshminath Bezbaroa’s Surabhi, two cornerstone works in Arabic and Assamese literature, respectively. Both collections address universal human experiences while reflecting the socio-cultural contexts of their authors’ eras. Al-Manfalûṭî’s Al-‘Abarât delves into themes of loss, moral conflict, and societal injustice through emotive storytelling that critiques materialism, colonial influence, and social inequality. Stories like Al-Yatîm and Al-Hijâb encapsulate human vulnerability and the enduring struggle between tradition and modernity. Similarly, Bezbaroa’s Surabhi navigates societal complexities through satire, empathy, and moral reflection. His narratives challenge superstitions, caste prejudices, and rigid social norms, advocating for reform and intellectual awakening in Assamese society. Stories like Bapiram and Fatema Bibi highlight the struggles of marginalized individuals within oppressive structures. This comparative analysis underscores how both authors employed storytelling to critique societal flaws and advocate for moral and cultural progress. The study bridges the thematic parallels between these culturally distinct works, emphasizing their shared focus on human resilience, ethical introspection, and the transformative power of literature. By examining these works side by side, the paper reveals their enduring relevance as reflections of the human condition and as vehicles for social critique and reform.