Isolation_and_Uncertainty

Conflict often ensues from a clash of views, which may result in physical or emotional conflict. A natural consequence of conflict for those involved includes feelings of isolation and uncertainty. Indeed during conflict the status of relationships is constantly influx. Uncertainty may regard to health, family and possibly even security. The feeling of uncertainty can lead to feelings of isolation as those involved in the conflict may often feel alone. Generally during these times, those involved in endure much pain and suffering. Due to this emotional burden, many individuals may experience feelings of isolation and uncertainty; many individuals find it problematic to live in exile or in doubt. Uncertainty regarding to health during a conflict can make life very difficult to bear. Uncertainty can be interpreted as the feeling of being worried, or in doubt. It may result as a scar from the effect of war. In Najaf Mazari’s novel, Najaf is involved a mortar bomb accident, consequently leading to the injury of his leg. This injury jeopardises his apprenticeship as a rug maker as it affects his ability to work. It takes months for Najaf’s wound to recover. During this time he starts to doubt his ability to work again, believing that he would be a “burden to his family” for the rest of his life. While having an injured leg, Najaf is unable to fulfil his role as the provider, the man who ‘brings bread home’, this makes life unbearable for Najaf as he believes he is a failure and an unsuccessful husband. During this time, Najaf is despondent and bitter. These feelings of hopelessness and inability to provide left Najaf feeling isolated. He even felt isolated from him doctors at one stage he questions the legitimacy of the doctors, “are you a doctor or are you a baker'” as his leg does not recover. Isolation can often result in feelings of worthlessness, depression and exasperation making life difficult for those who experience it. Isolation can be understood as the feeling of being excluded from a group or community. It may be experienced by those who believe that no one understands them and there is no one who can help. Feelings of isolation are common during a conflict. Often in conflicts relationships deteriorate leaving individuals lonely and without support. Those who flee their country, in order to migrate to safer lands often worry about their families. This can be seen through Najaf’s life in Melbourne. As he settles in, he constantly worries for the safety of his wife and daughter as they are still involved in the Afghani war. Up until the very moment where Najaf’s family has been approved and arrived in Melbourne, Najaf is worried for them. On the day of Hakima and Maria’s arrival, Najaf anxiously waits for them at the airport doors. While waiting, he counts the number of people exiting, by 70 he begins to grow more anxious and by 190 he believes that there has been a disaster. As his wife and daughter finally come out, he closes his eyes and gives thanks to god. As evidenced by Najaf’s experiences in Australia, we can see that it is indeed true that isolation can result in the feelings of being depressed and worthless; causing life for an individual to be seen as difficult. Isolation may also result in the feelings of being uncertain, making life difficult for those who must endure it. During the 18th and 19th century, London was in a crisis where “fear did not pay the rent”; it was infested with an illiterate underclass, which believed that “there could be no sin in thieving if it meant a full belly”. Under “the mighty instrument of the law”, these actions were breaching legislation and thus, they were deemed as criminals. As punishment, many convicts were sent to prison, either in Australia or in London. Those who were forced to depart the “mean and twisted streets of London” were found stranded in Australia. They were forced to start a new life, away from London. While on the boats towards Australia, no one knew of this land, they would often fear and worry, as the land was foreign and unknown. This may cause life to be difficult, as one is forced to adapt and accept their new habitat. A clash of views can often result in physical or emotional conflict. Individuals have their own views and beliefs. As such it is inevitable that clashes and arguments will result. These clashes often spark disputes between opposing parties, resulting in exile, exclusion, uncertainty and hesitation to compromise and reconcile. Generally during these times, those involved endure much pain and suffering. Due to this emotional burden, many individuals may experience feelings of isolation and uncertainty; many individuals find it problematic to live in exile or in doubt. Often isolation may lead to uncertainty, as evidenced by the asylum seekers who flee their countries and constantly live in fear for their family and friends. Uncertainty regarding the future may also lead to a difficult life for an individual, as seen by those forced to depart from their origins.