Book review: Apes' Assembly & the politics of the jungle

Express Tribune

a day ago

Have you ever wondered what happens when the fight for power plays out in the wild, amongst creatures we think we know? What if a timeless fable could hold up a mirror to our own political world, filled with ambition, rebellion, and the ever-present tension between old ways and new dreams?
In the tradition of classic allegorical fables, Dr Zahoor Hussain's novella, Apes' Assembly, uses the world of jungle animals to explore profound themes of power, rebellion, and political transformation. Through the story of a charismatic ape named Nan who overthrows a lion king, the book offers a powerful and timely reflection on leadership and the delicate nature of revolution.
The story is told entirely through animal characters, and it functions as a layered political satire, where apes form their own movement and struggle with internal and external forces. The return of Pan and the coronation of Sham create the unresolved tension between change and tradition.
The story reflects the ongoing tension between dominant and marginalised forces. Through symbolic characters, it portrays how collective will and strategy can challenge established power, highlighting the fragility of authority and the recurring nature of such confrontations. Overall, Apes' Assembly stands as a powerful amalgam of literary techniques as it combines anthropomorphism, lyrical refrains, repetition, and exaggerated expressions to craft a vivid and symbolically rich narrative.
The novella reflects a thoughtful blend of literary and linguistic awareness beyond its political commentary. The use of poetic chants, rich connotations, and occasional ecological references suggest a broader symbolic reading. Dr Zahoor Hussain's imaginative scope and storytelling craft shine throughout and make Apes' Assembly a significant contribution to contemporary literature in Pakistan.
Through the use of allegory in a Pakistani folktale format, Apes' Assembly not only comments on political instability but also revives a storytelling tradition deeply rooted in South Asian literature. The use of animal characters is a trait of classical fables, yet the themes of the novel are sharply contemporary. This blend of folklore with modern political insight creates a distinct narrative that speaks to both literary sensibility and socio-political consciousness. Hence, the novella contributes to a growing body of indigenous allegorical fiction that resists imported narrative models and centres on local expression.
The characters, settings, and narrative events are designed with strong metaphorical resonance. 'The Banyan Tree' as a revolutionary hub and 'The Royal Den' as a symbol of tradition highlight the depth with which the author embeds meaning into locations. These spaces are not just part of the plot but carry thematic weight that helps readers reflect on real-world systems and the cyclical nature of power.
What further distinguishes the novella is its stylistic range as it moves seamlessly between humour, poetry, and sharp observation. The lyrical refrains add rhythm to the political tone, while the use of various animal archetypes creates a layered narrative. Apes' Assembly invites readers to think critically, but it does so with creativity and cultural rootedness by offering both engagement and insight.
Apes' Assembly can be situated within a Marxist framework, as it showcases class struggle, rebellion, and the corrupting nature of power through the apes' strategic rebellion against the established lion monarchy. Nan's rise and eventual fall depict how revolutionary ideals can be compromised once power shifts hands, which is a key Marxist concern. Additionally, the novel could also be read through the lens of allegorical satire with postcolonial traces. The shifting of power, the use of animals to critique ruling systems, and the unstable jungle society may represent postcolonial states where liberation often leads to new forms of oppression or disorder. The use of symbolic spaces like the 'Banyan Tree' and 'Royal Den' may represent ideological institutions in postcolonial societies. Furthermore, the jungle as a living space being disrupted by political ambition and conflict introduces eco-critical aspect, where the breakdown of natural order parallels societal decay.
Ultimately, Apes' Assembly is more than just a captivating tale; it's a resonant call to examine the intricate dance between power, principle, and the perennial human (or rather, animal) struggle for true freedom. It leaves readers pondering whether the cycle of power can ever truly be broken, or if every revolution is destined to forge its own chains.
Ezzah Shakil is an English Linguistics lecturer at the Islamia University of Bahawalpur
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