Syed Waliullah’s use of existentialism in Tree Without Roots

Answer

 Discuss Syed Waliullah’s use of existentialism in “Tree Without Roots.”

“Tree Without Roots” by Syed Waliullah (1922-71) is a novel that embodies the spirit of existentialism. This philosophical movement emphasizes individual freedom and choice in a seemingly meaningless and absurd world. The novel depicts the human condition and explores various existential themes such as alienation, absurdity, death, and the search for meaning. Throughout the novel, Majeed’s existential crisis is exposed. Here are some points of discussion on existentialism in “Tree Without Roots.”

An existential crisis in Garo Hill, Madhupur: Majeed is the muezzin of a mosque of Madhupur in Garo Hill. One day, he learns about Mahabbatnagar from a government official. Then, he feels this place is not sufficient for his existence. So, he leaves Garo Hill for the betterment and feels his existential crisis. He leaves with: 

A Kurta, a couple of old Lungis, two thin towels, and a small, much-thumped Koran,

Establishment of a Mazar for a permanent settlement: Arriving in the Mohabbat Nagar village, Majeed explores an ordinary grave and establishes it as a Mazar. Then, he started to fool the illiterate and innocent villagers to maintain his existence. He tells the villagers, showing his hypocritical attitude.

 You are all blind. You are ignorant men, men without understanding. How could you left the Mazar of Saint Shah Sadeque unattended like this.

Old man’s free will hinders Majeed’s existence: Once the father of Taher, Kader, and Ratan stands against Majeed in case his family matters. He tells Majeed that he should not interfere in his family affairs. Majeed takes it as a threat to his existentialism. So later on, he hurts the old man emotionally, and the old man commits suicide by drowning.

The appearance of Awalpur pir: Again, Majeed fears his Existential threat for the appearance of Awalpur pir. He feels that his religious business centralizing Mazar may go in vain for the Awalpur pir. So he goes to Awalpur to prove the pir as hypocrites.

Khaleque’s