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21st CENTURY LITERATURE - ANALYSIS

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Sahir Ludhianvi’s poem Taj Mahal offers a powerful critique of the iconic monument, reframing it as a symbol of imperial excess and human inequality rather than an enduring testament to love. While the Taj Mahal is often celebrated for its grandeur, Ludhianvi juxtaposes this magnificence with the overlooked suffering of ordinary people. The poem questions the romanticized narrative surrounding such monuments, suggesting that behind the "proud proclamations" of love lies a legacy of exploitation and inequality. The poet points to the plight of workers who built the Taj Mahal, whose contributions remain unacknowledged, overshadowed by the glory of the emperor who commissioned it.

Through vivid imagery and pointed metaphors, Ludhianvi critiques the arrogance of rulers and the fleeting nature of their achievements. He describes the Taj Mahal as a "haughty relic of the conceit of emperors," exposing the vanity and extravagance that often accompany displays of power. The poem also democratizes the concept of love, emphasizing that countless lovers throughout history have lived and loved without the means to erect grand monuments. This universality challenges the idea that love needs physical symbols to be meaningful, asserting instead that true love exists in the quiet, enduring connections between ordinary people.

Ludhianvi also reflects on the transience of human accomplishments, noting that even the creators of the Taj Mahal have been forgotten over time. The "artful hands" that shaped the monument, and even their personal stories of love and loss, have vanished, leaving no trace in history. This observation reinforces the poet’s message that no amount of wealth or grandeur can truly immortalize human existence. Instead, such monuments often mock the simplicity and purity of love, which cannot be captured in stone.

Ultimately, Taj Mahal extends beyond the critique of one monument to question society’s broader obsession with material symbols of success. In a world where wealth disparities persist, Ludhianvi’s words remind us to look beyond outward displays of power and reflect on the stories of those who remain invisible. The poem challenges us to find meaning not in grand structures but in the enduring humanity and love shared by all, regardless of status. By doing so, Ludhianvi transforms the Taj Mahal from a symbol of romance into a poignant reminder of the inequalities that define human history.

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21st CENTURY LITERATURE - ANALYSIS

Under my Invisible Umbrella by LAUREL FANTAUZZO

"Under My Invisible Umbrella" by Laurel Anne Fantauzzo explores the complexities of identity, privilege, and cultural intersections through the lens of a Filipino-American returning to her motherland. Fantauzzo reflects on the tension between her American upbringing and Filipino heritage, navigating the challenges of belonging in a place where she feels both at home and like a foreigner. Her pale complexion and Western accent grant her privileges not extended to others, illuminating the persistent societal bias toward whiteness and affluence in postcolonial contexts.

The essay’s titular umbrella symbolizes this privilege, offering her literal and metaphorical shelter while underscoring the disparities between her experience and those of working-class Filipinos. Through vivid anecdotes, Fantauzzo paints a compelling picture of her uneasy position—welcomed yet distinct—from the hospitality of her relatives in Tandang Sora to the stark class divisions witnessed at an elite party in Forbes Park. Her humor and vulnerability make these observations deeply relatable, balancing self-awareness with moments of cultural critique.

Fantauzzo’s conversational tone brings warmth and accessibility to her narrative, which invites readers to reflect on identity, privilege, and systemic inequities. Her writing illustrates the struggles of those living in cultural liminality, offering a nuanced perspective that celebrates the richness of hybridity while confronting its challenges. Ultimately, "Under My Invisible Umbrella" is both a personal journey and a broader commentary on societal structures, resonating universally with those who navigate the complexities of belonging in multiple worlds.