University of Lahore

Research Paper
Resistance to Capitalism: A Marxist study of Moth Smoke by
Mohsin Hamid

Name : Noureen Sagheer

Submited To: DR Rizwan

Pakistan Literature

10/05/23
 CONTEXT

Abstract………………………………………………………………………………….3

Aims and Objectives…………………………………………………………………….4

Research problem statement……………………………………………………………..4

Literature Review………………………………………………………………………...5

Research Methodology…………………………………………………………………..6

Analysis…………………………………………………………………………………..7

Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………..9

Reference………………………………………………………………………………..10
 ABSTRACT
Mohsin Hamid's novel Moth Smoke is a story that depicts the life of a young Pakistani man named
Darashikoh Shezad, who lives in Lahore and works as a banker. The research explores themes such as
class struggle, power, and corruption, which can be analyzed through a Marxist lens.

Marxism is a social, economic, and political theory that focuses on the struggle between the working class
and the ruling class. In Moth Smoke, this struggle is evident through the character of Darashikoh, who is
seen as a victim of the bourgeoisie. Darashikoh's poverty and his desire for a better life put him at odds
with the wealthy and powerful individuals in Lahore. He is constantly struggling to make ends meet and
to climb the social ladder, but his efforts are met with resistance from those who hold power.

Moreover, the research portrays the corrupt nature of the bourgeoisie, who exploit the working class for
their own benefit. The character of the wealthy banker, Aurangzeb, is a perfect example of this.
Aurangzeb, shown as corrupt, manipulative, and abusive of his power. He uses his wealth and influence
to control and exploit those around him, including Darashikoh. The paper also highlights the class divide
between the rich and poor. The wealthy elite in Lahore live in luxurious homes, drive expensive cars, and
indulge in excesses, while the working-class struggles to make ends meet. Darashikoh, who is from a
lower-middle-class family, is envious of the opulent lifestyle of the bourgeoisie, which drives him to
commit crimes and engage in drug abuse. Mohsin Hamid's Moth Smoke is a novel that portrays the
struggle between the working class and the bourgeoisie. Through the character of Darashikoh and the
corrupt nature of the wealthy elite, the research highlights the Marxist concept of class struggle and the
exploitation of the working class by the ruling class.

KEYWORDS: class struggle, capitalism, social pressure, drugs, power

 INTRODUCTION
Moth Smoke is a critically acclaimed novel by Mohsin Hamid that provides a vivid and thought-
provoking portrait of Pakistani society. The novel tells the story of Daru Shezad, a young banker in
Lahore who finds himself on a downward spiral of drug addiction, crime, and illicit love affairs. As his
life falls apart, Daru becomes embroiled in a power struggle with his former childhood friend and wealthy
elite, Ozi, and Ozi's wife Mumtaz. Set against the backdrop of Lahore's social and economic inequalities,
Moth Smoke offers a piercing critique of the corrupt and unequal power structures that dominate
Pakistani society. The novel delves deeply into issues of class, privilege, and power, highlighting the stark
disparities between the wealthy elite and the poor masses. At its core, Moth Smoke is a complex and
nuanced exploration of human nature and the forces that drive us to succeed or fail. Through Daru's
journey, Hamid offers a searing critique of the ways in which dominant ideologies, such as the belief in
the inherent superiority of the wealthy elite, serve to justify and reinforce the existing power structures.

Furthermore, Moth Smoke can be analyzed through the concept of ideology, which Marxist theory
suggests serves to maintain the power of the ruling class. The novel shows how dominant ideologies in
Pakistani society, such as the belief in the inherent superiority of the wealthy elite, serve to justify and
reinforce the existing power structures.

Overall, Moth Smoke is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that offers a profound insight into the
complexities of Pakistani society and the struggles of those caught between the forces of tradition and
modernity, wealth and poverty, and power and powerlessness.
Aim
The aim of analyzing Mohsin Hamid's novel Moth Smoke through the lens of Marxism is to provide a
critical understanding of the class and power dynamics of Pakistani society. Through this analysis, we
seek to explore the ways in which Marxist theory can help us to understand the exploitation and
oppression of the working class in Pakistan and the ways in which the ruling elite maintains its power and
privilege.

Objectives:
 To examine the role of social class in shaping the social and economic structures of Pakistani
society.

 To explore the concept of ideology and its role in justifying and reinforcing dominant power
structures in Pakistan

 To offer insights into the workings of capitalism and the struggle for social and economic justice
in Pakistani society through a Marxist lens.

The research problem statement:

Despite the significant amount of academic scholarship on the novel Moth Smoke by Mohsin Hamid,
there is a lack of research that explores the Marxist themes present in the text. Moth Smoke provides a
powerful critique of the social and economic inequalities in Pakistan, and Marxist analysis could deepen
our understanding of the novel's commentary on the class struggle and the contradictions of capitalism.
Therefore, the research problem is to analyze the Marxist themes in Moth Smoke and to examine how the
novel represents the intersection of class, power, and identity in contemporary Pakistani society.
 Literature review

Mohsin Hamid is a Pakistani writer and novelist who have gained widespread recognition for his literary
works that explore the complexities of contemporary Pakistani society. His novel Moth Smoke is a
particularly significant work in this regard, as it provides a searing critique of the class and power
dynamics that dominate Pakistani society. Scholars have examined Hamid's works in depth, analyzing
their themes, motifs, and narrative structures. For example, in her article "Globalization and Identity
Crisis in Mohsin Hamid's Novels," Sobia Khurshid explores the theme of globalization in Hamid's novels,
arguing that his works reveal the ways in which globalization has led to an erosion of traditional identities
and the emergence of new, hybrid identities.

Several scholars have examined Moth Smoke through a Marxist lens, highlighting the novel's relevance to
Marxist theory and the insights it provides into the workings of capitalism and class conflict. For
example, in their article "Marxism and the Postcolonial in Mohsin Hamid's Moth Smoke," Amir Ahmadi
and Christopher Flood analyze the novel's exploration of the intersections between colonialism,
capitalism, and class in Pakistani society. They argue that the novel highlights the ways in which
Pakistan's colonial history and capitalist economy have shaped its social and economic structures, leading
to stark inequalities and class conflict.

Similarly, in her article "The Critique of Capitalism in Mohsin Hamid's Moth Smoke," Poonam Trivedi
explores the novel's critique of capitalist exploitation and its portrayal of the working class as a site of
resistance against dominant power structures. She argues that the novel exposes the false promises of
upward mobility and meritocracy in capitalist societies, and highlights the importance of collective action
and solidarity among the working class in challenging the existing power structures.

Another scholar, Raees Ahmad Khan, examines the role of ideology in Moth Smoke in his article "The
Political Economy of Ideology in Mohsin Hamid's Moth Smoke." Khan argues that the novel reveals the
ways in which dominant ideologies, such as the belief in the inherent superiority of the wealthy elite,
serve to justify and reinforce the existing power structures in Pakistani society. He suggests that the novel
highlights the need for a critical engagement with ideology and the development of an alternative,
emancipatory ideology that can challenge dominant power structures.

This research will explore the novel's treatment of power and corruption in Pakistani society, how these
themes relate to Marxist critiques of the capitalist state and its institutions and resistance to the capitalist
system . This could involve analyzing the characters' experiences with political and economic elites, as
well as their attitudes towards democracy, rule of law, and social justice.
 Research methodology
Applying a Marxist framework to Mohsin Hamid's "Moth Smoke" involves analyzing the novel's
portrayal of social class, power, and economic inequality in contemporary Pakistan through a Marxist
lens. Here are some key elements of a Marxist framework that could be applied to the novel:

Class struggle:

"Moth Smoke" depicts a society where social and economic class divisions are pervasive, and characters
are often defined by their positions within this hierarchy. A Marxist framework would examine how the
novel portrays the struggles between different social classes and how these struggles shape the characters'
experiences and interactions.

Alienation and exploitation:

Marxist theory holds that the capitalist system leads to alienation and exploitation of workers. In "Moth
Smoke", characters such as Daru and Mumtaz experience alienation and exploitation in their working
lives, which is reflected in their personal relationships and behavior.

Power and corruption:

The novel depicts the corrupt and powerful elites in Pakistani society who exploit the working class and
perpetuate the status quo. A Marxist framework would analyze the ways in which the novel portrays this
power dynamic and how it shapes the lives and actions of the characters.

Historical materialism:

Marxism emphasizes the importance of historical materialism in understanding contemporary social and
economic conditions. A Marxist framework applied to "Moth Smoke" would examine the novel's
portrayal of the historical and material conditions that have led to the social and economic inequalities
depicted in the novel.

Praxis:

Marxism stresses the importance of praxis, or the integration of theory and practice, in achieving social
change. A Marxist analysis of "Moth Smoke" would consider how the novel critiques or supports social
and economic structures in Pakistan and whether it suggests any practical steps towards social
transformation.

Overall, applying a Marxist framework to "Moth Smoke" would involve critically examining the novel's
portrayal of social and economic class divisions, power dynamics, and historical materialism, while also
considering its potential for social transformation.
 Analysis
In this study, Mohsin Hamid's novel "Moth Smoke" is analyzed through a Marxist lens, which highlights
the novel's portrayal of social and economic class divisions, power dynamics, and historical materialism.

One way in which the novel reflects Marxist theory is through its depiction of class struggle. The novel
presents a society in which social and economic class divisions are deeply ingrained, and where
characters are defined by their positions within the hierarchy. The protagonist, Daru, is a social outsider
who becomes embroiled in a love triangle with his wealthy friend Ozi and his wife Mumtaz, who comes
from a lower social class. Through this relationship, the novel portrays the tensions and struggles between
different social classes, as well as the consequences of these conflicts for the characters' personal lives.

This research highlights the ways in which Ozi, Mumtaz, and Daru from "Moth Smoke" go through
different social and economic positions, which shape their experiences and relationships within the
capitalist system.

Ozi's character is portrayed as a member of the wealthy elite, who enjoys a life of privilege and
luxury. He is insulated from the struggles of the working-class and is disconnected from the
economic realities that shape their lives. Ozi's character reflects the Marxist critique of the
bourgeoisie as those who control the means of production and exploit the working-class. He
perpetuates the system of exploitation and inequality through his actions and uses his wealth and
power to manipulate the legal system and avoid punishment for his drug use.

On the other hand, Mumtaz's character is a member of the working-class, who is exploited and oppressed
by the capitalist system. Mumtaz's character reflects the Marxist critique of the exploitation of women
within patriarchal capitalist societies and the ways in which the legal system and wider social and
economic structures in Pakistan marginalize and oppress women.

Finally, Daru's character is also a member of the working-class but is depicted as someone who is
conscious of his position and the social and economic inequalities that exist in Pakistani society. He is
punished severely for his drug use, highlighting the Marxist critique of the justice system as an instrument
of the ruling class, which perpetuates the existing social and economic structures. However, Daru's
character also represents the possibility of resistance and rebellion against the system of exploitation and
inequality, as he is involved in an affair with Mumtaz and rejects the values and lifestyle of the wealthy
elite.

This Marxist contrast between Ozi, Mumtaz, and Daru in "Moth Smoke" highlights the ways in which
their different social and economic positions shape their experiences and relationships within the
capitalist system. Their characters reflect Marxist critiques of the bourgeoisie, exploitation of women, and
false consciousness, as well as the possibility of resistance and rebellion against the system of
exploitation and inequality.
Secondly, the study also highlights the false consciousness that exists within the working-class. Mumtaz
is convinced that marrying Ozi will improve her social and economic status, but is later disillusioned.
Similarly, Daru is involved in an affair with Mumtaz but is aware that it is ultimately unsustainable due to
their different social and economic positions. These characters reflect the Marxist critique of the ruling
class using ideological control to maintain their power over the working-class.

The possibilities of resistance and rebellion against the capitalist system can also be seen in Hamid’s
novel. One form of resistance is seen in the character of Daru, who rejects the values and lifestyle of the
wealthy elite, despite being a member of the working-class himself. He becomes involved in an affair
with Mumtaz, a woman who is married to his best friend Ozi, who finds that her marriage does not bring
her the happiness and security that she desires. Daru's relationship with Mumtaz is a form of resistance to
the capitalist system, as it challenges the values and social norms of the ruling class, which perpetuate
inequality and exploitation.

Another form of resistance is seen in the character of Mumtaz, who resists the patriarchal structures of
Pakistani society that marginalize and oppress women. Despite being from the working-class, Mumtaz is
a strong-willed and independent character who refuses to be defined by her social and economic status.
Her decision to marry Ozi is a form of resistance, as she sees it as a way of improving her social and
economic status, but later realizes that it does not bring her the happiness and security that she desires.
Her subsequent affair with Daru is also a form of resistance, as it challenges the patriarchal norms that
restrict women's freedom and agency.

Finally, the character of Daru's friend Murad is another form of resistance to the capitalist system. Murad
is a drug dealer who operates outside the law and uses his position to challenge the social norms and
structures of Pakistani society. His willingness to take risks and operate outside the law is a form of
resistance to the capitalist system, which he sees as corrupt and unjust.
 Conclusion

In conclusion, "Moth Smoke" by Mohsin Hamid is a novel that provides a critical examination of the
capitalist system in Pakistan and its impact on individuals from different social and economic classes. The
novel portrays characters that are both victims of the system and who resist it in various ways.

Through the characters of Ozi, Mumtaz, Daru, and Murad, the novel exposes the inequalities and
exploitation perpetuated by the capitalist system. Ozi, as a member of the wealthy elite, uses his wealth
and power to manipulate the legal system and exploit the working-class. Mumtaz, a working-class
woman, she marries Ozi to improve her social and economic status, reflecting the exploitation of women
in patriarchal capitalist societies. Daru, also from the working-class, struggles with poverty, addiction,
and a sense of social exclusion, reflecting the struggles of many in the working-class. Murad, a drug
dealer, operates outside the law and challenges the social norms and structures of Pakistani society,
reflecting the ways in which the marginalized resist the system.

At the same time, the novel also portrays the possibilities of resistance and rebellion against the capitalist
system. The characters of Daru, Mumtaz, and Murad all resist the system in their own ways, challenging
the values, social norms, and structures of the ruling class. The novel suggests that while the capitalist
system perpetuates inequality and exploitation, resistance is possible and that individuals have agency to
challenge and resist the system.

Overall, "Moth Smoke" is a thought-provoking novel that raises important questions about the capitalist
system and its impact on individuals and society. The novel invites readers to consider the complexities
and contradictions of the system and to reflect on the possibilities of resistance and rebellion against it.
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