Set in August 1947 Lahore, Deepa Mehta's Earth, portrays what is often referred to as the most disastrous migration in the human history-the partition of India and Pakistan. This is one of the several movies about partition that I've watched, however there was something very unique and powerful about this movie that drew my attention from the very beginning. Based on the novel "cracking India", the story is told through the lens of an 8-year old crippled child, Lenny. I particularly liked this move. By representing some of the most terrible acts of mankind through the innocent eyes of a child, I was immediately emotionally drawn to the story. Her experiences, aspirations and apprehensions provide an intense portrait of the period. Finding this to be very effective, this response paper analyzes the story from Lenny's point of view.
Right from the beginning of the movie, Mehta uses several metaphors, such as the title of the movie, breaking of a plate, breaking of Lenny's doll etc. to suggest "breaking" of communities and the country as the central theme of the movie. In fact, Lenny's innocent question "can one break a country?" serves as a great background for the movie. The movie presents the transition in the mindset of people and the rifts that come about even between close friends as the partition unfolds.
There are several instances that expose Lenny to the ongoing tension at the time. A dinner party at her house involving a heated discussion about the future of the country, conversions and marriages for protection, and relationship between her parents and their business associates turning sour, are a few of these. But, what seems to impact her the most are her experiences in the park with her ayah and her male friends, which turn from adventurous to tragic. Everyday jokes and innocent games between friends of different religious backgrounds are replaced by harsh remarks over religion and family bloodlines. The ice candy man, in particular, seems to be drawn in by communalist rhetoric, each rumor and massacre report unhinging the previously amiable young man. Unable to make complete sense, Lenny finds herself confused and uncomfortable. This is evident from her comments on several occasions, including "...again Hindus and Muslims, we won't come to park now", "Are we Parsis bum lickers of the British?", and "Why is Pappu being married?" Moreover, her conversation with the victimized child at the refugee camp troubles her all the more, and is Mehta's attempt at showing the negative effect that partition had on children.
As the date for the partition draws near, these events intensify further. From thousands of people migrating from their homes on foot to widespread murders in trains, there is a state of complete chaos around the city, and Lenny feels very dejected and confused. What is particularly haunting for her from this experience though is her inadvertent betrayal of her Ayah Shanta. When a group of Muslim rioters come to Lenny's house demanding the removal of all Hindu servants, Lenny, disoriented by the menacing mob and trusting the Ice Candy Man, admits that Ayah is still in the house. The young nanny is dragged off. This experience leaves Lenny shocked who continues to hold herself responsible even years after the incident. It is also very disturbing to see friendship and love being overshadowed by religious bigotry and chauvinism.
Besides several thought-provoking comments from the characters, Earth is also full of several ironies. For instance, while Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister expresses hope for a bright future for the country, the people are disgusted and angry, as independence for them is nothing to be happy about. As one character puts it, "independence from the British will be soaked in our brothers' blood". Similarly, the British are opposed to Dil breaking the neck of the bird, but fail to realize its parallelism with their actions. It seems as if British value the bird more than humans. Another interesting aspect is how the movie not only focuses on Hindus and Muslims, but rather presents a complete picture by including the more neutral religions such as Parsis, showing their struggle to maintain their neutrality.
Undoubtedly, Mehta does a commendable job in presenting a moving account of the horrifying partition period. What makes it all the more effective is that it doesn't require much history from its viewers, explains what needs to be known, and clearly conveys its universal message that when a mob forms in the name of a religion, its first casualty is usually the teaching of the religion.
Right from the beginning of the movie, Mehta uses several metaphors, such as the title of the movie, breaking of a plate, breaking of Lenny's doll etc. to suggest "breaking" of communities and the country as the central theme of the movie. In fact, Lenny's innocent question "can one break a country?" serves as a great background for the movie. The movie presents the transition in the mindset of people and the rifts that come about even between close friends as the partition unfolds.
There are several instances that expose Lenny to the ongoing tension at the time. A dinner party at her house involving a heated discussion about the future of the country, conversions and marriages for protection, and relationship between her parents and their business associates turning sour, are a few of these. But, what seems to impact her the most are her experiences in the park with her ayah and her male friends, which turn from adventurous to tragic. Everyday jokes and innocent games between friends of different religious backgrounds are replaced by harsh remarks over religion and family bloodlines. The ice candy man, in particular, seems to be drawn in by communalist rhetoric, each rumor and massacre report unhinging the previously amiable young man. Unable to make complete sense, Lenny finds herself confused and uncomfortable. This is evident from her comments on several occasions, including "...again Hindus and Muslims, we won't come to park now", "Are we Parsis bum lickers of the British?", and "Why is Pappu being married?" Moreover, her conversation with the victimized child at the refugee camp troubles her all the more, and is Mehta's attempt at showing the negative effect that partition had on children.
As the date for the partition draws near, these events intensify further. From thousands of people migrating from their homes on foot to widespread murders in trains, there is a state of complete chaos around the city, and Lenny feels very dejected and confused. What is particularly haunting for her from this experience though is her inadvertent betrayal of her Ayah Shanta. When a group of Muslim rioters come to Lenny's house demanding the removal of all Hindu servants, Lenny, disoriented by the menacing mob and trusting the Ice Candy Man, admits that Ayah is still in the house. The young nanny is dragged off. This experience leaves Lenny shocked who continues to hold herself responsible even years after the incident. It is also very disturbing to see friendship and love being overshadowed by religious bigotry and chauvinism.
Besides several thought-provoking comments from the characters, Earth is also full of several ironies. For instance, while Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister expresses hope for a bright future for the country, the people are disgusted and angry, as independence for them is nothing to be happy about. As one character puts it, "independence from the British will be soaked in our brothers' blood". Similarly, the British are opposed to Dil breaking the neck of the bird, but fail to realize its parallelism with their actions. It seems as if British value the bird more than humans. Another interesting aspect is how the movie not only focuses on Hindus and Muslims, but rather presents a complete picture by including the more neutral religions such as Parsis, showing their struggle to maintain their neutrality.
Undoubtedly, Mehta does a commendable job in presenting a moving account of the horrifying partition period. What makes it all the more effective is that it doesn't require much history from its viewers, explains what needs to be known, and clearly conveys its universal message that when a mob forms in the name of a religion, its first casualty is usually the teaching of the religion.
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