Secularity, Liberty and Resilience against Orthodoxy: A Utopian Vision in Zain’s Novel Little America

Abstract

This research paper aims to study resistance against religious extremism, societal narrow-mindedness, and the desire to create a utopian state in Zain’s Little America. The novel investigates the strains among Western and Eastern social standards, the charm of expansionism, and the quest for individuality in a world driven by different religious and political ideologies. Through Sharif’s journey, Saeed raises important questions about the concept of narrowmindness, social validity, and the human quest for liberty. The novel is a strong investigation of the human condition, empowering perpetrators to ponder their convictions, values, and feelings of individuality. Little America serves as an example of perseverance, utilizing the power of writing to illuminate the human condition and inspire meaningful reflection and growth. This research uses Thomas Moore’s concept of “utopia” critically examine the forces that hurdles in achieving utopian vision. This study further clarifies Zain's novel (2021) in relation to the concept of utopianism, which highlights Pakistani cultures and traditions that promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

Keywords : Religious orthodoxy, utopia, individual freedom, identity crisis