Originally Posted by AlexinBrum:
“Z: I can’t stop Bushra now. And somewhere out there is The One.
Again, the community, their values, can't be changed, or derailed. Staying in the family, choosing to live by their rules, means that Bushra, and by extension, cultural tradition, will dictate everything in his life, right down to the type of meat he buys. Even his mother is controlled by this - strong, force of nature Zainab is a slave to Bushra, to expectations, to appearances. Another uncoupling in Syed's head - if they can't be changed, then I have to change to fit in. And if I can't change, then I will never fit in...
...and then Zainab pipes up with the second sentence, thus laying the answer out on a plate. Out there IS someone who you will fit with, who will feel right, and good, and who you won't have to pretend with. The one person who is right for you. Z's homophobia and basic inability to understand that Syed feels genuine love for Christian mean that it doesn't even occur to her that Syed's thoughts would immediately turn to him. And thus she unwittingly sows the seed that makes what's to come ALL about Christian.”
Originally Posted by AlexinBrum:
“S: How can you be so sure?
And here we have it. Poor confused Syed, who has been brought up with Zainab's absolutely certainty about everything, in a world full of rules where everything is dictated with no room for doubt. This is a desperate plea, because he is racked with doubt and questions, about himself and his faith and his life and his feelings. It's also not a coincidence that he is drawn to Christian - someone who is so strong, and certain of himself. It's a quality that Syed is fascinated and drawn to because he is so prone to wavering and worrying. Standing in that kitchen, choosing to go along with the matchmaking because his mother is sure it's the right thing. But earlier in the day Jane has questioned him 'What do you believe, Syed?', then Christian has challenged him, then Tambo has asked him what he wants. He is being questioned and pushed by everyone, yet his mother remains absolutely convinced about what is right. Another uncoupling is that he is finally questioning her certainty - what makes her so sure that this is the right thing? He's begging her to convince him, to make him as sure as she is. 'I'm trying so hard and I'm still doubting. Please mum, tell me what I need to hear to believe as strongly as you do.'”
Originally Posted by AlexinBrum:
“And then Zainab lays out the basis of her certainty. And Syed hears what he needs to hear. And all his doubts do indeed disappear.
"Because it is destined Syed. Because everything that we have been through, everything has brought us to where we are now. You were never meant to be with Amira, I understand that now. Everything happens for a reason, even if we don’t know what it is. All this, it was meant to be.”
I actually don't have anything to say about this. It speaks for itself. <3”
Originally Posted by AlexinBrum:
“Z: Karahi looks fabulous.
And again, back to Bushra, ie community expectations. Zainab's made her speech, she thinks she's done her job, she's spouted the expected mantra and this line is all about how Syed is fitting in, towing the party line, putting on a great show, pretending. The traditional meal has been cooked effectively and has the appropriate appearance and will now be served up - just like Syed is looking every inch the dutiful Muslim son who will be served up to the aunties to consume. 'Well done Syed, you're putting on a good show. Now let's hear no more about it.'”
Alex I am not good at analysis but I sure can appreciate it!!! Thanks for continuing!
Originally Posted by Mushroom Hair:
“Zainab unwittingly digging a great big hole for Syed to escape out of. Ha!”
Originally Posted by starfish100:
“Excellent Alex, really insightful. It's scary how his parents are literally handing over control to someone who is not even a family member, and I think this is part of what makes Syed crack. Zainab and Masood actually come across as quite frightened themselves, maybe that is too strong a word, but anxious and cowed around her, and their crawling to desperately be back in favour too. I think it might be Syed seeing this, standing back and looking, seeing the power of the community over them, that provides him with thought about how much more he is willing to allow others to decide his life for him.....
....Amazing post! I was always so shocked by how disposable Amira was. I think those scenes are very clever in showing the desperation that the cure has worked. I agree he is trying to slow things down, find some space, stop the runaway train (train again) of how things are going.I think the desperation and the lack of consideration for Amira makes him realise and stand back and observe them, and he is able to see that he is actually right and what they are doing is very wrong.
Very important point about how seriously he takes his marriage, - good insight - I think he makes a clear moral choice too, in that he cannot allow himself to pushed into deceiving another woman. I'd like to think he'd come to this conclusion even if Christian wasn't there, and he does, when you think about it. If Christian had rejected him again, I don't believe he would have gone back, he would still have continued on, alone. He finally walks out on his family with no certainty that his relationship with Christian can be re-kindled....”
mushroom hair and
starfish Great replies!
Originally Posted by
crazysusan:
“They can not have been seeing the same Syed as us, he not only enjoyed sex, he had a hunger for the physical side of his relationship with Christian, which brought them both such joy...he was gagging for it...
I am utterly astonished they left the flat......they so should have announced that
They knocked the ball right out of the stadium and into th wilderness:sleep:”
Ah
crazysusan you make me smile!
Actually, it still could be...you know, starting off tense, then wrecking the place and then ending up on the floor :sleep: 
