Honour Killing

By Imtiaz Dharker (b. 1954)

Context

• "Honour Killing" by Imtiaz Dharker addresses the cultural and religious practices that seek to control and oppress women, often leading to extreme acts such as honour killings. These murders are committed by family members against individuals, usually women, who are believed to have brought shame upon the family. Dharker wrote this poem in response to a specific case where a woman was murdered by her family, and the act was justified as an honour killing. The poem is a powerful expression of a woman's rejection of the customs, beliefs, and restrictions that have been imposed on her, symbolising a journey of self-liberation and the reclaiming of her identity.

The Poem

At last I'm taking off this coat,

← Metaphor

this black coat of a country

that I swore for years was mine,

that I wore more out of habit

than design.

Born wearing it,

I believed I had no choice.

I'm taking off this veil,

← Metaphor and oxymoron

this black veil of a faith

that made me faithless

to myself,

that tied my mouth, gave my god a devil's face,

← Imagery and contrast

and muffled my own voice.

I'm taking off these silks, these lacy things

← Metaphor & Auditory imagery

that feed dictator dreams, the mangalsutra and the rings rattling in a tin cup of needs

that beggared me. I'm taking off this skin, and then the face, the flesh, the womb.

Let's see what I am in here when I squeeze past the easy cage of bone. Let's see what I am out here, making, crafting, plotting at my new geography.

← Symbolism

5 Quotes + Analysis to Achieve a Grade 9

1. 1. Language device = Metaphor."At last I'm taking off this coat, / this black coat of a country" Analysis: The "black coat" is a powerful metaphor representing the cultural and national identity that the speaker feels has been imposed upon her. The word "black" suggests oppression and heaviness, indicating that this identity has been a burden rather than a source of pride. The act of "taking off" the coat symbolises the speaker's rejection of this imposed identity and her desire to define herself on her own terms.

2. Language device = Metaphor and oxymoron. "I'm taking off this veil, this black veil of a faith that made me faithless to myself" Analysis: The "veil" represents more than just a physical item; it symbolises the restrictive aspects of the speaker's cultural beliefs. By "taking off" the veil, the speaker is metaphorically removing the constraints that have suppressed her true identity and independence. The phrase "faith that made me faithless to myself" creates an oxymoron, suggesting a paradox where the speaker sticking to her faith has caused her to lose faith in her own identity. This highlights the inner conflict between personal freedom and external cultural expectations, emphasising the speaker's desire to reclaim her sense of self

3. Language device = Imagery and contrast. "Gave my god a devil's face, and muffled my own voice" Analysis: The imagery of giving "my god a devil's face" indicates how the speaker's perception of her faith has been corrupted or twisted by those who enforce its rules. The phrase "muffled my own voice" highlights how the speaker's personal expression and identity have been silenced by these oppressive forces. The contrast between "god" and "devil" emphasises the speaker's inner confusion, as something that was once sacred and guiding has now become oppressive.

4. Language device = Symbolism." I'm taking off these silks, these lacy things that feed dictator dreams" Analysis: The "silks" and "lacy things" are symbols of traditional femininity and marital expectations, which the speaker associates with oppression. The phrase "feed dictator dreams" suggests that these items contribute to maintaining the control of women and feeding into patriarchal systems that restrict their freedom. The act of removing these items represents the speaker's rejection of these oppressive gender roles.

5. Language device = Symbolism. **"**making, crafting, plotting at my new geography." Analysis: The final lines of the poem symbolise shift from rejection to self-discovery. The speaker is now "making, crafting, plotting" her own identity, away from any constraints from her past. The phrase "my new geography" symbolises the creation of a new space or identity where she can redefine herself, conveying a sense of empowerment and autonomy as the speaker takes control of her own narrative.

Form

• Soliloquy:
  • The poem is like a soliloquy, which means it's a personal speech where the speaker talks to herself. The poem is about the speaker taking off different layers of her identity that have held her back. She's not doing this for anyone else—just for herself. This form helps the reader connect with her inner thoughts and emotions as she discovers who she really is.

Structure

• Opening with "At last":
  • The poem begins with the phrase "At last", suggesting that this moment of transformation has been long-awaited. This immediately sets the tone for a narrative of liberation, indicating that the speaker has been planning this escape from her past identities for a considerable time.
• Repetition of "Let's see":
  • The phrase "Let's see" is repeated at the end of one stanza and the start of the next, emphasising the speaker's anticipation and curiosity about her newfound freedom. This repetition marks a pivotal moment in the poem, where the protagonist begins to actively explore and shape her new identity.
• Pause and Enjambment:
  • The poem uses a pause at the end of line 31, creating a moment of suspense that suggests the possibility of revenge or a dramatic change. However, the enjambment quickly moves the reader to the final line, where it becomes clear that the speaker is not planning revenge, but instead is focused on "making, crafting, plotting" her new identity and future. This shift emphasises her determination to move forward and build a new life, rather than dwelling on past conflicts.
• Progression from External to Internal:
  • The structure progresses from external garments to the internal self, reflecting the protagonist's journey from societal roles and expectations towards personal identity and autonomy. By the last stanza, the removal of her "skin", "face", and "flesh" signifies a deeper exploration into her true self, beyond physical and societal constraints.
• Layered Removal:
  • The poem is structured around the gradual removal of layers that have symbolically shackled the protagonist. Each stanza corresponds to the shedding of a different part of her identity—starting with the outermost "coat" and ending with the metaphorical removal of her physical being, as she squeezes past the "cage of bone". This methodical structure highlights the deliberate and thoughtful nature of her transformation.

Example Paragraph for a Grade 9 Answer:

In "Honour Killing," Imtiaz Dharker presents a powerful journey of self-liberation and identity. The metaphor of the "black coat of a country" symbolises the oppressive cultural and national identity that the speaker feels she has been forced to wear. As she removes this "coat," and later the "veil" and "silks," the speaker is stripping away the layers of imposed roles and expectations that have silenced her true self. The repetition of "Let's see" shows her curiosity and anticipation as she explores her new identity, free from the constraints of her past. The use of enjambment in the final lines, particularly after the pause at line 31, creates suspense but ultimately reveals that the speaker is not seeking revenge, but rather is focused on "making, crafting, plotting" her future. This shift highlights her determination to move forward, leaving behind the restrictions that once defined her, and embracing the freedom to define her own path.