Death and Illness in Akhtaruzzaman Elias's Short Stories: A Mirror Image of Life/ আখতারুজ্জামান ইলিয়াসের ছোটগল্পে মৃত্যু ও অসুস্থতা : জীবনেরই প্রতিবিম্ব

Abstract

In Akhtaruzzaman Elias's short stories, themes of illness and death are recurring motifs. He himself has mentioned in interviews that death haunts him, and he fears it, as well as aging. Using illness and death as tools, Elias portrays the complexities of the human mind and the detached, impersonal aspects of life. Death has been viewed differently in Eastern and Western philosophies, and religions have also interpreted it in various ways. While Hindu and Buddhist philosophies discuss reincarnation, Christianity and Islam emphasize the importance of deeds in this life for determining one's fate in the afterlife. With scientific advancements, human lifespan has increased, and vaccines have been discovered for many diseases. However, alongside environmental pollution, new diseases have emerged. Death is a familiar theme in literature as well. Writers have depicted various forms of death as a natural part of life, but their perspectives on life and death have shaped their understanding of mortality. In Bengali literature, we have observed different types of death. Writers like Rabindranath Tagore, Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay, and Manik Bandyopadhyay have each presented unique portrayals of illness, death, and the surrounding life to readers. The context of illness or death often helps characters in novels or stories understand themselves better. In both Elias's novels and short stories, illness and death are recurring themes. However, in this essay, we will focus solely on his short stories. Stories like ‘Osukh-Bisukh’, ‘Ferari’, ‘Jogadhyog’, ‘Kanna’, ‘Foda’, ‘Pitribiyog’, ‘Dudhe Bhate Upat’, ‘Dojokher Om’, ‘Opaghat’ and ‘Atandra’ showcase the presence of death and illness. Yet, in each story, Elias uses death in different ways. Often, he deliberately blurs the sense of time in his stories using illness. Sometimes, through death, he sheds light on the complex dimensions of human character. Death and life are not always presented in opposition. Instead, he portrays the dreams, struggles, love, and brokenness of individuals detachedly through illness and death. His characters are always kept away from pompous idealism. He avoids unnecessary sympathy for those nearing death. Free from sentimental emotions, his stories depict death without glorifying anyone. Elias is fascinated by the complex and inscrutable nature of human psychology. Death and illness serve as tools, like a diver, to bring out the inner person for the reader.