"Exploring the physicality in Manto’s language"

A lecture on the works of the renowned and controversial author, Saadat Hasan Manto. Organized by the DSR's Professor Srilata Raman.

Despite the tragedies he faced during his lifetime, Manto's literary legacy remains both timeless and breathtaking. His writings offer profound insights into the psychological and emotional impact of the Partition, a perspective that continues to resonate deeply as we seek to understand contemporary India.

In this talk, Leo Van Cleynenbreugel will delve into Manto's masterful use of language to convey physicality in two of his most famous short stories, "Thanda Gosht" and "Toba Tek Singh". Both of the stories are placed in the historical context of the Partition. The speaker will explore how Manto’s choice of imagery and words reflects the historical context of the Partition, shaping the reader's perception of both bodily and emotional experiences. 

Following this analysis, there will be a discussion on the relationship between writing, historical moments, and the portrayal of physicality in literature. 

About the Speaker

Leo Van Cleynenbreugel holds an MA in Indology and an MA in Acting from Ghent University. He also trained as a voice coach at Fitzmaurice Voicework Institute. Since 2018 he has taught Hindi to the BA3 students at the UGhent Indology department, engaging with them in conversations about actuality, literature, spiritulatiy, travelling and cooking.