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 attempt to bring holy water: Majeed’s close friend Kheleque tries to bring holy water from the Awalpur pir by his brother-in-law Dhola Mia. Actually, he becomes motivated to bring holy water from Awalpur pir for his loving and childless wife Amena to conceive. 

The coming of the Pir had filled Amena with new hope. Perhaps he could help her. Why perhaps? She knew he could. He had helped many barren women everybody said so.

This attempt by Khaleque seems to threaten Majeed for his religious business. So he impresses Khaleque, saying that she has coils in her belly.

Akkas’s attempt to establish a school: Akkas is the son of Modabber.  He is the only educated person in Mahabbatnagar. He tries to establish a school to educate villagers. Here, Majeed feels that if a school were established in this village, everybody would be clear about Majeed’s business. So, he protests against the establishment of the school.

Protest of Jamila as an existential treat: Jamila is the second wife of Majeed. She is not obedient to her husband like Rahima. The whole village is afraid of Majeed, except Jamila. Majeed takes it as a threat to his indomitable existence and uses his physical power to seize her. Then Jamila spits at his face. Being furious at this incident, Majeed takes her to the Mazar and keeps her fastened to a side of the Mazar overnight.

Thus, throughout the novel, we see the tension of the protagonist’s fight to establish his existence. From the novel’s beginning, he is a rootless person and remains mentally rootless for the fear of losing his existence.