A Critical Study of the Artistic and Stylistic Dimensions of the Flashback Technique in Mukhtar Masood's Harf-e-Shauq

Abstract

This article critically examines the artistic and stylistic use of the flashback technique in Mukhtar Masood’s Harf-e-Shauq. It explores how the writer skillfully connects personal memories with historical events, cultural heritage, and national consciousness through non-linear narration. The study highlights that flashback is not merely a narrative device but a structural and intellectual element that enriches the text with historical depth and emotional intensity. By analyzing selected episodes, characters, and places, the article demonstrates how Mukhtar Masood transforms individual experiences into collective memory. The research concludes that the flashback technique significantly enhances the literary, cultural, and aesthetic value of Harf-e-Shauq.