Decoding Pacifism in Contemporary Diaspora Literature: The Anti-War Message in the Novels of Khaled Hosseini and Tahmima Anam

Abstract

In a world where war and destruction are passions, it is truly important to realize that violation is not the ultimate solution to any problem. The true answer lies in resorting to the understanding of Pacifism. Inspired by Jane Addams as a key proponent in criticizing the war, the researchers use Daniel Diederich Farmer’s approach to show how the theory of Pacifism posits that human interactions should be governed by peaceful means rather than resorting to violence or aggression. It advocates the use of arbitration, surrender or migration as methods to resolve wars. In this paper, the researchers use the qualitative method by comparing the novels of two diasporic authors, Khaled Hosseini and Tahmima Anam, which focus on war's consequences on individuals who are displaced from their homeland. The researchers also compare authors' portrayal of the relationship between war and diaspora in their literary works. Additionally, the article emphasizes the importance of the Pacifism theory by examining examples of marginalized characters in Hosseini and Anam's novels who experience displacement. The result of the study reveals that the theory of Pacifism, which is present in the novels of the select authors, underscores the value of seeking peace and migration as practical solutions.