Juxtaposition of Tradition and Modernity in Contemporary Pakistani Fiction

Abstract

This article discusses contemporary Pakistani Fiction in the light of competing forces of tradition and changing trends of modernity in Pakistani society and culture. By using Anthony Giddens’ concept of contrast between �Pre-modern culture’ and �Modern culture’, I analyze the characters in three novels by Pakistani writers to argue that globalization has transformed the social and individual perceptions. While Pakistani society has become waywardly modern, it is actually conditioned to keep cultural and traditional sanctity, therefore, is always oscillating between these two conflicting forces. I also take into account Muhammad Abdul Qadeer’s analyses of social and cultural transformation in Pakistan to highlight the contradictions between �tradition and family life’ that continues to contribute long term stability to the society and �Modernity’ that is thought to be uprooting this stability. This overlapping of pre and post-modern traditions and values at individual, domestic and communal/social level has resulted in an uncertain and unstable Pakistani society where true happiness is rare to find.