The 50th episode of the Literary Lens series, organized by the Literary Club of MITC Ponnani, featured Shifana M. from the B.Ed. Physical Science 2023–2025 batch. The session was conducted virtually via Google Meet on 23 May 2025 at 7:30 PM.
Shifana presented an insightful analysis of Mathilukal (Walls), a semi-autobiographical novel by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, first published in 1965. The narrative revolves around Basheer’s imprisonment and his unseen yet profound romantic connection with Narayani, a female inmate in the adjacent women’s prison. Their relationship develops solely through conversations over the prison wall, symbolizing both physical and emotional barriers.
In her presentation, Shifana explored themes of isolation, longing, and the human capacity for connection despite constraints. She highlighted Basheer’s minimalist storytelling and the novel’s poignant portrayal of love that transcends physical presence. The discussion also touched upon the socio-political context of the time, reflecting on how personal narratives intertwine with broader historical events.
