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  • Synthetic Bodies, Poetic Souls: AI and the Challenges of Writing Physicality

    Abstract

    This paper explores the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in representing physicality within poetry. While AI excels at mimicking language patterns, capturing the essence of embodied experience – the feel of sand, the taste of salt, the ache of the heart – remains a significant hurdle. AI lacks the human capacity for sensory perception and the subjective understanding of embodied experience. However, AI can serve as a valuable tool for poets, offering new avenues for creative exploration, expanding the language of physicality, and facilitating collaborative creativity. By embracing AI responsibly and ethically, poets can push the boundaries of their craft, explore new forms of expression, and enrich the human experience in the digital age.

    Keywords: AI in Poetry, physicality in poetry, embodied experience, sensory language, human-AI collaboration, creative expression

    Synthetic Bodies, Poetic Souls: AI and the Challenges of Writing Physicality.

    Poetry brings physical world to life through language giving the reader a more immersive and realistic experiences. In poetry physicality refer to the tangible, sensory aspects of the world that are described or evoked.

    Reader’s senses of sight, sound touch taste and smell are evoked through vivid imagery and the poets use of sensory language. Poetry also explores the physical sensations of human body such as pain, pleasure, movement and passage of time. Poets often draw inspiration from the natural world, describing landscapes, weather, plants, and animals with great detail and precision. Everyday objects, historical artifacts, and even the human body itself can be sources of inspiration for poets, who may explore their textures, shapes, and symbolic meanings.  

    By focusing on the physical world, poets can create images that are so vivid and detailed that they seem to leap off the page. The writer engages the reader’s senses in poetry creating a more emotional and visceral experience. Physicality is used in abstracting ideas and emotions in the concrete world, making them more accessible and relatable. By exploring the physicality of the human body and its experiences, poetry can offer insights into the human condition.

    AI-generated poetry has made significant strides in mimicking human language patterns, including poetic styles. However, capturing the essence of physicality in poetry presents a unique and formidable challenge for these systems.  

    Unlike abstract concepts like love or despair, which can be expressed through metaphors and symbolic language, physicality is deeply rooted in sensory perception and embodied experience. It’s about the feel of sand between toes, the taste of salt on the wind, the ache in weary muscles, the vibrant hues of a sunset, the cacophony of a bustling market. These sensations are deeply personal and intricately woven into our human experience. AI, despite its impressive ability to analyze and process vast amounts of text data, lacks the capacity for genuine sensory experience. Its understanding of physicality remains largely conceptual, derived from the analysis of countless texts that describe these sensations.

    AI has demonstrated impressive capabilities in generating poetry, capturing the essence of physicality remains a significant hurdle. This limitation stems from the fundamental difference between artificial and human experience. This paper discusses the question of “Can AI authentically represent the physical world, especially the human body in poetry?” and further discusses the challenges AI faces and opportunities for future poets to use AI as a creative partner.

    The Embodied Word: Physicality in poetry

    Poetry, at its core, is a deeply embodied art form. While it may seem to exist solely in the realm of language and abstract thought, the human body plays a crucial role in its creation and reception. Physicality, in its various manifestations, serves as a potent source of poetic inspiration, a means of connecting the personal with the universal, and a vehicle for exploring profound existential questions

    The Human Body as a Source of Metaphor, Intimacy, and Existential Reflection

    The human body, with its intricate network of sensations, vulnerabilities, and desires, provides an inexhaustible wellspring of poetic imagery. From the delicate flutter of eyelids to the pounding of a racing heart, poets draw upon the physical experiences of the body to articulate complex emotions and abstract concepts. The body becomes a metaphorical landscape, its contours mirroring the contours of the soul. The “heavy heart” signifies sorrow, while the “lightness of being” suggests joy. The “burden” of grief can be felt as a physical weight, while the “thrill” of love courses through the veins like an electric current. These metaphors, grounded in the physical sensations of the body, resonate deeply with readers, offering a shared vocabulary for navigating the complexities of human experience.

    Furthermore, the body serves as a primary site of intimacy. Physical touch, from a gentle caress to a passionate embrace, transcends language, conveying emotions that words alone cannot capture. Poets explore the nuances of physical touch, its power to both connect and disconnect, to heal and wound. They delve into the intimate spaces of the body, revealing the vulnerabilities and desires that lie beneath the surface. The body also serves as a constant reminder of our finitude. Its vulnerability to disease, aging, and death casts a long shadow over human existence. Poets confront these realities with unflinching honesty, exploring the anxieties and fears associated with bodily decay and mortality. Yet, they also celebrate the resilience and beauty of the human form, acknowledging the fleeting nature of life while cherishing its fleeting joys.

    Example:

    Walt Whitman’s “Song of Myself” stands as a powerful testament to this. Whitman celebrates the body as sacred, a source of wonder and awe. He writes:  

    “I celebrate myself, and sing myself, / And what I assume you shall assume, / For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.”  

    Whitman’s poem transcends the limitations of individual identity, recognizing the shared humanity bound within each body. He uses the body as a microcosm of the universe, connecting the individual to the collective.  

    Connecting the Personal with the Universal

    The body, in its shared human experience, provides a powerful means of connecting the personal with the universal. Poets, by exploring their own embodied experiences, tap into the collective human condition. The universal themes of love, loss, joy, and sorrow are given concrete form through the lens of individual bodies. The physical sensations of love, for example, are not unique to a single individual. The fluttering of the heart, the trembling of the hands, the longing for physical closeness – these experiences are shared by countless individuals across cultures and time periods. Poets, by articulating these shared experiences in vivid and evocative language, create a sense of communal understanding and shared humanity.

    Similarly, the experience of pain, whether physical or emotional, is a universal human experience. Poets, through visceral imagery and unflinching honesty, explore the depths of human suffering. They describe the searing pain of loss, the crushing weight of despair, and the debilitating effects of physical illness. These poems, while rooted in personal experience, resonate with readers on a deeply emotional level, offering a sense of solace and recognition in the face of shared suffering.

    Example:

    Sylvia Plath’s “Lady Lazarus” exemplifies this powerfully. Plath uses the image of resurrection – rising from the ashes – to explore themes of female identity, trauma, and the struggle for agency.  

    “Out of the ash / I rise with my red hair / And I eat men like air.”  

    This visceral imagery transcends the personal experience of trauma, becoming a powerful metaphor for the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

    The Visceral Imagery: Linking the Body with Pain and Resurrection

    The experience of pain, both physical and emotional, is often described in visceral terms. Poets may depict the searing pain of a wound, the throbbing ache of a broken heart, or the suffocating weight of despair. These images, while potentially unsettling, serve to underscore the profound impact of pain on the human psyche. Yet, even in the face of pain and suffering, the body possesses an inherent capacity for healing and renewal. Poets explore this capacity for resurrection, drawing upon images of rebirth and regeneration. The shedding of skin, the blooming of a flower, the rising of the sun – these images symbolize the body’s capacity to overcome adversity and emerge renewed.

    Example:

    Rabindranath Tagore, the renowned Bengali poet, emphasizes the importance of a harmonious relationship between the mind, heart, and body.

    “The mind that is free, the heart that is ready, the body that is in harmony with the light of creation.”

    Tagore’s philosophy suggests a holistic approach to existence, where the physical body is not merely a vessel for the soul, but an integral part of the spiritual journey.

    Physicality plays a vital role in the art of poetry. The human body, with its intricate network of sensations, vulnerabilities, and desires, serves as a rich source of poetic inspiration. Poets, by exploring their own embodied experiences, connect the personal with the universal, creating a shared language for navigating the complexities of human existence. Through vivid imagery and unflinching honesty, they explore the profound connection between the body and the soul, revealing the fragility and resilience of the human spirit.

    Challenges for AI in writing Physicality

    AI poetry generation, while impressive in its ability to mimic human language patterns, faces significant hurdles when attempting to capture the nuances of physicality. This stems from the inherent limitations of AI systems in understanding and expressing embodied experience.

    Lack of Embodiment and Lived Experience

    AI systems operate within the digital realm, devoid of physical bodies and the sensory experiences that shape human perception. This leads to sensory deprivation. They cannot “feel” the warmth of the sun, the sting of rain, the softness of fur, or the taste of salt on the wind. This lack of embodied experience limits their ability to truly understand and convey the nuances of physical sensations.   Human experience is deeply subjective. Our perceptions of the world are shaped by our unique histories, emotions, and cultural backgrounds. AI, lacking a personal history or the capacity for genuine emotion, struggles to replicate the subjective quality of human perception and the way it influences our experience of the physical world

    Example:

    • Human Poet: “The rain hammered against the windowpane, each drop a tiny drumbeat against the glass, mirroring the frantic rhythm of my own racing heart.”
    • AI Poet: “Rain fell heavily upon the window, a consistent patter against the glass.”

    The human poet’s description evokes a sense of anxiety and internal turmoil through the metaphor of the drumming rain mirroring the racing heart. The AI’s version, while accurate, lacks the emotional depth and the connection between the external weather and the internal emotional state.

    Difficulty in Representing Intimacy and Sensation

    Poetry often explores intimate physical experiences – touch, embrace, the subtle shifts in body language. These experiences are inherently complex, involving a delicate interplay of physical sensation, emotion, and social context. AI struggles to capture the nuances of these intimate encounters, often resorting to generic or overly literal descriptions. Many poetic experiences rely on the evocation of abstract sensations – the feeling of melancholy, the thrill of freedom, the weight of grief. These sensations are difficult to define and quantify, making them challenging for AI systems to understand and represent accurately.

    Example:

    • Human Poet: “Her hand, a ghost, brushed against mine, sending shivers down my spine, a silent conversation in the language of touch.”
    • AI Poet: “Their hands made brief contact, a fleeting touch.”

    The human poet’s description captures the fleeting nature of the touch, its ghostly quality, and the emotional impact it has on the speaker. The AI’s version, while factual, lacks the poetic imagery and the emotional resonance of the human-generated text.

    Literal vs. Figurative Language

    Poetry thrives on figurative language – metaphors, similes, personification. These literary devices allow poets to express complex ideas and emotions in novel and unexpected ways. AI, while capable of identifying and generating figurative language, often struggles to understand the underlying meaning and the emotional impact of these figures of speech. Figurative language is inherently subjective. Its meaning can vary depending on the reader’s individual experiences, cultural background, and emotional state. AI, lacking human subjectivity, may misinterpret or misapply figurative language, leading to unintended or nonsensical results.  

    Example:

    • Human Poet: “The city sleeps, a giant beast breathing softly under the watchful eye of the moon.”
    • AI Poet: “The city was quiet at night.”

    The human poet uses the metaphor of the city as a sleeping beast to create a sense of awe and wonder. The AI’s version, while factually correct, misses the poetic power of the metaphor and the evocative imagery it creates.

    Cultural and Contextual Nuances

    Physical experiences are deeply embedded within cultural contexts. Different cultures have different understandings of the body, different ways of expressing physicality, and different taboos surrounding physical intimacy. AI, trained on a vast and diverse dataset, may struggle to understand and navigate these cultural nuances, leading to insensitive or inappropriate representations of physicality. The meaning of physicality can change significantly depending on the context. A touch can be a gesture of affection, a sign of aggression, or a simple act of physical assistance. AI, lacking the ability to understand the nuances of social context, may misinterpret or misrepresent these subtle cues.  

    Example:

    • Human Poet: “He placed a hand on her shoulder, a gesture of comfort, a silent acknowledgment of her pain.”
    • AI Poet: “He touched her shoulder.”

    The human poet’s description conveys the intended meaning of the touch – a gesture of comfort and support. The AI’s version, lacking the contextual understanding of the social situation, simply states the fact of the touch, missing the deeper emotional significance.

    Ethical and Creative Concerns

    As AI becomes increasingly sophisticated in generating human-like text, concerns arise about the authenticity and originality of AI-generated poetry. Can AI truly create something new and meaningful, or is it simply mimicking existing patterns and styles?  The increasing sophistication of AI poetry generators raises questions about the role of the human poet in the creative process. Will AI eventually replace human poets, or will it simply serve as a new tool for creative exploration and experimentation? AI-generated poetry could be used to create deepfakes, spread misinformation, or manipulate public opinion. It is crucial to consider the ethical implications of these technologies and to develop safeguards to prevent their misuse.

    Despite these challenges, AI has the potential to revolutionize the art of poetry. By pushing the boundaries of current technology, researchers can develop more sophisticated models that are better able to understand and represent the nuances of physicality. This may involve incorporating sensory data, developing more sophisticated models of human emotion, and exploring new forms of human-AI collaboration in the creative process. While the challenges are significant, the potential rewards are equally great. AI-powered poetry has the potential to open up new avenues of creative expression, challenge our understanding of what it means to be human, and deepen our appreciation for the power and beauty of the human experience.

    The poetic potential of AI: Opportunities for poets

    The rise of AI presents exciting new opportunities for poets to explore the boundaries of creative expression and deepen their understanding of language and the human experience. Here are some key areas where AI can empower poets:

    AI as a Tool for Creative Exploration

    AI can serve as a valuable tool for overcoming writer’s block. By providing prompts, generating alternative word choices, or suggesting different poetic forms, AI can help poets break free from creative ruts and explore new avenues of expression. AI can help poets expand their vocabulary and discover unusual or forgotten words. By analysing vast corpora of text, AI can suggest synonyms, antonyms, and even obscure words that might add a unique flavour to a poem.

    Expanding the Language of Physicality

    AI can help poets translate abstract sensory experiences into concrete language. For example, an AI tool could analyse data from a wearable sensor that monitors a person’s physiological responses (heart rate, skin temperature, etc.) and generate poetic descriptions that reflect those internal sensations. AI can be used to create new forms of sensory poetry that go beyond traditional language. For example, AI could be used to generate interactive poems that respond to the user’s physical movements or environmental stimuli.

    Collaborative Creativity

    AI can serve as a creative partner for human poets, offering new perspectives and challenging existing assumptions. Poets can use AI tools to experiment with different styles, explore new themes, and push the boundaries of their own creativity. AI can facilitate new forms of collective creativity, allowing poets from around the world to collaborate on shared projects. AI tools can be used to translate poems into different languages, to connect poets with similar interests, and to create interactive platforms for collaborative writing and performance.

    Bridging Physical and Digital Realities

    AI can be used to create embodied forms of poetry, such as interactive installations, kinetic sculptures, and augmented reality experiences. These forms of poetry can blur the lines between the physical and digital worlds, creating new and immersive experiences for audiences. AI can be used to enhance live poetry performances, creating dynamic and interactive experiences for both poets and audiences. For example, AI could be used to generate music or visual effects that respond to the spoken word, creating a multi-sensory and immersive performance.

    The rise of AI presents both challenges and opportunities for the art of poetry. By embracing these new technologies and exploring their creative potential, poets can push the boundaries of their craft, discover new forms of expression, and deepen our understanding of the human experience in the digital age

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, while AI faces significant challenges in authentically representing physicality in poetry, it also presents exciting opportunities for poets to explore new frontiers of creative expression. The limitations of AI, such as its lack of embodied experience and its struggles with figurative language, underscore the unique and irreplaceable value of human creativity and the human experience. However, AI can serve as a valuable tool for poets, offering new avenues for exploration and expanding the boundaries of poetic expression. By overcoming the limitations of current AI systems, researchers can develop more sophisticated models that are better able to understand and represent the nuances of physicality. This may involve incorporating sensory data, developing more sophisticated models of human emotion, and exploring new forms of human-AI collaboration in the creative process.

    The future of AI in poetry lies not in replacing human poets, but in empowering them with new tools and technologies. AI can serve as a creative partner, offering new perspectives, challenging existing assumptions, and pushing the boundaries of poetic innovation.  By embracing the potential of AI while acknowledging its limitations, poets can harness the power of technology to explore new forms of expression, deepen their understanding of language and the human experience, and create a more vibrant and inclusive poetic landscape. The journey of AI in poetry is still in its early stages, but it holds immense potential. By embracing the challenges and seizing the opportunities, poets can usher in a new era of poetic innovation, where the human spirit and the power of technology converge to create something truly extraordinary.

    Reference

    Ali, A. H., & Ayyed, O. S. (2022). Metaphoric usage of human body parts in T.S. Eliot’s selected poems. Journal of Tikrit University for Humanities, 29(1, 1), 35–56. https://doi.org/10.25130/jtuh.29.1.1.2022.24

    Dandavate, U. (2024, November 30). Harmony in Verse: bridging creativity between AI and human perspectives in poetry. Medium. https://uday-dandavate.medium.com/harmony-in-verse-bridging-creativity-between-ai-and-human-perspectives-in-poetry-ea1f5db7c61d#:~:text=By%20combining%20AI’s%20ability%20to,and%20creativity%2C%20you%20can%20create

    Nelson, A. (2024, November 22). The Pitfalls of Using Figurative Language with AI and Global Audiences. Medium. https://medium.com/@andrewnelsun/the-pitfalls-of-using-figurative-language-with-ai-and-global-audiences-3d00936aa1a0

    Porter, B., & Machery, E. (2024). AI-generated poetry is indistinguishable from human-written poetry and is rated more favorably. Scientific Reports, 14, 26133. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-76900-1

  • Travel as Power: The Asymmetry of Experience in Aadujeevitham and Ayesha

    Abstract

    Travel is often perceived as a journey of exploration and opportunity, yet its experience is shaped by asymmetrical power structures. This paper examines the contrasting depictions of travel in Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life) and Ayesha, analysing how economic, cultural, and ideological forces define migration as either entrapment or transformation. Through a critical theory lens, the study explores three key aspects: The power dynamics that control migration, the role of ideology in constructing narratives of labour and identity, and the significance of language as a tool of agency or subjugation. Aadujeevitham portrays travel as a coercive act dictated by systemic exploitation, where the protagonist loses autonomy and is reduced to a dehumanized labourer. In contrast, Ayesha presents migration as an act of adaptation and self-reinvention, where the protagonist negotiates power through cultural capital and linguistic agency. The analysis highlights how travel is not a neutral experience but a site of power negotiation, revealing the ideological forces that shape displacement, identity, and survival in globalized labour systems.

    Keywords:Travel, Migration, Power Asymmetry, Critical Theory, Ideology, Language, Identity, Displacement, Aadujeevitham, Ayesha

    Travel as Power: The Asymmetry of Experience in Aadujeevitham and Ayesha

    Critical theories provide essential frameworks for analysing literature and film, revealing the deeper power structures that shape human experiences. Travel, often seen as an act of exploration or self-betterment, is rarely neutral. It is a site of power negotiation, where access, agency, and control are distributed unequally. Aadujeevitham and Ayesha, the two Malayalam films present two contrasting depictions of travel for livelihood—one as entrapment and suffering, the other as adaptation and self-reinvention. By applying critical theory, this study examines how these films expose the asymmetries of travel experience, shaped by economic, cultural, and ideological forces.  The films serve as microcosms of larger societal structures, where travel is not merely a physical movement but a reflection of power dynamics. Through the lens of critical theory, we can interrogate how systems of control—economic, cultural, and ideological—shape the experiences of individuals who travel for survival or opportunity. This paper will explore three key subtopics: (1) Travel and Power: Who Controls the Journey? (2) Critical Theory and the Role of Ideology, and (3) Language, Identity, and Power in Travel. Each section will draw on specific scenes from the films to illustrate the theoretical arguments and provide a nuanced understanding of the asymmetry of travel experiences.

    Travel and Power: Who Controls the Journey?

    In Aadujeevitham, Najeeb embarks on his journey with the dream of prosperity, only to find himself stripped of autonomy, reduced to an object within a system that exploits migrant labour. His travel is not a means of self-discovery but of survival, dictated by economic structures that render him powerless. His body becomes a site of control—his freedom, movement, and even language are taken away from him, emphasizing how travel is often a coercive act for those on the margins of power. 

    One of the most poignant scenes in Aadujeevitham occurs when Najeeb is lured into the desert under the false promise of a well-paying job. The vast, barren landscape becomes a metaphor for his entrapment. The camera lingers on his face as he realizes the gravity of his situation—his dreams of prosperity shattered, replaced by the harsh reality of forced labour. The scene underscores how Najeeb’s journey is not his own; it is controlled by external forces that exploit his vulnerability. His body, once a vessel of hope, becomes a tool for others’ profit, highlighting the dehumanizing effects of economic exploitation. 

    The concept of travel as a site of power negotiation is central to understanding the asymmetry of experiences in these films. Travel, in its most basic form, involves movement from one place to another. However, this movement is never free from the influence of power structures. For Najeeb, travel is not a choice but a necessity imposed by economic desperation. His journey is marked by a loss of agency, as he is manipulated and exploited by those who control the systems of labour and migration. This reflects the broader reality of migrant workers who are often lured by the promise of better opportunities, only to find themselves trapped in cycles of exploitation and abuse. 

    The power dynamics at play in Aadujeevitham are further complicated by the intersection of economic and cultural forces. Najeeb’s journey is not only shaped by his economic vulnerability but also by his cultural identity as a migrant worker. His status as an outsider renders him invisible within the system, stripping him of the rights and protections afforded to citizens. This invisibility is a form of powerlessness, as it denies him the ability to assert his humanity and demand justice. The film thus exposes the hidden violence of migration, revealing how power operates through the erasure of individual agency and identity. 

    In juxtaposition, Ayesha presents a protagonist who, despite also traveling for livelihood, engages in a different kind of negotiation with power. Her journey allows her to adapt, integrate, and ultimately redefine herself. Unlike Najeeb, whose fate is shaped by external forces, Ayesha exercises a degree of agency within the systems she navigates. This contrast highlights how power structures determine whether travel is experienced as empowerment or subjugation. 

    A key scene in Ayesha illustrates this difference. When Ayesha arrives in a new city, she is initially overwhelmed by the unfamiliar environment. However, instead of succumbing to despair, she actively seeks out opportunities to adapt. She learns the local language, builds relationships with the community, and gradually carves out a space for herself. This scene demonstrates how Ayesha’s journey, while challenging, is marked by a sense of agency. Unlike Najeeb, she is not entirely at the mercy of external forces; she navigates her circumstances with resilience and resourcefulness. 

    Ayesha’s journey is marked by a sense of resilience and resourcefulness. While she faces challenges as a migrant, she is able to navigate her circumstances with a degree of autonomy. This autonomy is not absolute; it is constrained by the same economic and cultural forces that shape Najeeb’s experience. However, Ayesha’s ability to adapt and assert her presence within these constraints reflects a different kind of power—one that is rooted in cultural capital and social networks. Her journey thus serves as a counterpoint to Najeeb’s, highlighting the ways in which power can be negotiated and resisted, even within oppressive systems. 

    The juxtaposition of these two journeys reveals the asymmetry of travel experiences. While Najeeb’s travel is characterized by coercion and loss of autonomy, Ayesha’s journey is marked by adaptation and self-reinvention. These contrasting experiences underscore the role of power in shaping the outcomes of travel. They also raise important questions about the conditions under which travel can become a site of empowerment rather than subjugation. 

    Critical Theory and the Role of Ideology

    One of the key concerns of critical theory is how ideology shapes perception and experience. Both Aadujeevitham and Ayesha engage with ideological constructs surrounding migration, labour, and identity. Aadujeevitham deconstructs the myth of migration as a pathway to success, exposing the hidden violence within the system. Najeeb’s suffering is not an individual failure but a consequence of larger socio-political structures that control migrant labour. His experience aligns with the critical theory argument that ideology often masks oppression, making systems of exploitation appear as opportunities. 

    A powerful scene in Aadujeevitham illustrates this point. Najeeb is shown working under the scorching sun, herding goats in the desert. The camera captures the stark contrast between his physical labour and the opulence of the landowners who profit from his work. This visual contrast  exposes the ideological underpinnings of the system—the myth of hard work leading to success is shattered, revealing the brutal reality of exploitation. Najeeb’s suffering is not an isolated incident; it is a systemic issue rooted in economic and political structures that prioritize profit over human dignity. 

    The ideological constructs surrounding migration are deeply rooted in the global economic system. Migration is often framed as a solution to poverty and unemployment, with migrant workers portrayed as agents of their own destiny. However, this narrative obscures the structural inequalities that force individuals to migrate in the first place. Aadujeevitham challenges this narrative by exposing the harsh realities of migrant labour. Najeeb’s journey is not a story of upward mobility but of exploitation and suffering. The film thus serves as a critique of the ideological constructs that justify and perpetuate systems of inequality. 

    The role of ideology in shaping perceptions of migration is further complicated by the intersection of economic and cultural forces. Migrant workers are often portrayed as outsiders, whose labour is valued but whose humanity is denied. This dehumanization is a form of ideological violence, as it justifies the exploitation and abuse of migrant workers. Aadujeevitham exposes this violence by depicting Najeeb’s suffering in stark and unflinching terms. His experience is not an isolated incident but a reflection of the broader systemic inequalities that shape the lives of migrant workers. 

    In Ayesha, the protagonist operates within another ideological framework—one that allows for adaptation through cultural capital. Her mobility is not without challenges, but she is able to assert control over her experience. The film presents an alternative narrative to migration, where travel can also function as a means of transformation rather than just loss. 

    A pivotal scene in Ayesha occurs when she attends a community gathering in her new city. Despite being an outsider, she uses her cultural knowledge and language skills to connect with the locals. This scene highlights how ideology can also function as a tool of empowerment. Ayesha’s ability to navigate cultural spaces allows her to redefine her identity and assert her presence in a foreign land. Unlike Najeeb, who is trapped by the ideological structures that exploit him, Ayesha uses ideology to her advantage, transforming her journey into one of self-reinvention. 

    Ayesha’s journey is shaped by her ability to navigate cultural spaces and assert her presence within them. This ability is rooted in her cultural capital, which allows her to adapt and integrate into new environments. However, this cultural capital is not equally accessible to all migrants. It is shaped by factors such as education, language skills, and social networks, which are themselves products of structural inequalities. Ayesha thus highlights the ways in which ideology can function as a tool of empowerment, but only for those who have access to the necessary resources. 

    By comparing these perspectives, critical theory helps us understand how ideology constructs different realities within the same phenomenon of migration. While Aadujeevitham exposes the oppressive nature of ideological constructs, Ayesha demonstrates how ideology can also be a site of resistance and transformation. These films thus provide a nuanced understanding of the role of ideology in shaping the experiences of migrants, highlighting the ways in which power operates through both oppression and resistance. 

    Language, Identity, and Power in Travel

    Language plays a crucial role in both films, reinforcing the asymmetry of travel experiences. Najeeb’s linguistic isolation in Aadujeevitham exacerbates his powerlessness, rendering him incapable of asserting himself in an unfamiliar environment. His silence becomes symbolic of his erasure within the system that controls him. Critical theory, particularly in relation to discourse and power, reveals how language—or the lack of it—serves as a mechanism of control in travel narratives. 

    A striking scene in Aadujeevitham depicts Najeeb attempting to communicate with his captors. His inability to speak their language leaves him voiceless, both literally and metaphorically. This linguistic barrier reinforces his status as an outsider, stripping him of the ability to advocate for himself. The scene underscores how language functions as a tool of power, determining who has the right to speak and who is silenced. 

    The relationship between language and power is a central concern of critical theory. Language is not merely a tool of communication; it is also a site of power negotiation. Those who control language have the power to define reality, while those who lack access to language are rendered voiceless. This dynamic is evident in Aadujeevitham, where Najeeb’s inability to speak the language of his captors leaves him powerless to assert his humanity. His silence is not a choice but a consequence of his marginalization within the system. 

    The role of language in shaping identity is further complicated by the intersection of cultural and economic forces. Migrant workers are often denied access to the language of the dominant culture, which reinforces their status as outsiders. This linguistic exclusion is a form of symbolic violence, as it denies migrants the ability to participate fully in society. Aadujeevitham exposes this violence by depicting Najeeb’s linguistic isolation as a key factor in his suffering. His inability to communicate renders him invisible within the system, stripping him of the ability to advocate for himself. 

    In contrast, Ayesha engages with language as a tool of agency. The protagonist navigates multiple cultural spaces, using language as a means to establish connections and assert her presence. Her ability to communicate allows her to negotiate her space in a foreign land, reinforcing how access to discourse is linked to power. 

    A key scene in Ayesha illustrates this dynamic. When Ayesha is confronted with a challenging situation, she uses her language skills to defuse tension and assert her position. This moment highlights how language can serve as a form of resistance, enabling individuals to reclaim their agency in unfamiliar environments. Unlike Najeeb, whose linguistic isolation renders him powerless, Ayesha’s command of language empowers her to navigate her journey with confidence. 

    Ayesha’s command of language is a form of cultural capital, which enables her to navigate her journey with a degree of autonomy. However, this cultural capital is not equally accessible to all migrants. It is shaped by factors such as education and social networks, which are themselves products of structural inequalities. Ayesha thus highlights the ways in which language can function as a tool of empowerment, but only for those who have access to the necessary resources. 

    By analysing these films through a critical lens, we see how language determines who has the right to belong and who remains invisible. The contrast between Najeeb’s silence and Ayesha’s voice underscores the role of language in shaping the outcomes of travel. These films thus provide a nuanced understanding of the relationship between language, identity, and power, highlighting the ways in which power operates through both exclusion and inclusion. 

    Conclusion

    As the seminar theme suggests, critical theories offer deeper insights into literature and film, exposing the power dynamics that shape human experiences. Aadujeevitham and Ayesha serve as compelling case studies of travel as power asymmetry—one depicting entrapment and suffering, the other, adaptation and self-reinvention. By applying critical theory, we move beyond the surface narratives of migration and livelihood to uncover the ideological forces at play. 

    These films remind us that travel is not simply a movement across spaces—it is a negotiation with systems of power that determine whether one emerges as a subject or an object within the journey. Through the lens of critical theory, we gain a deeper understanding of how economic, cultural, and ideological forces shape the experiences of those who travel for survival or opportunity. By examining the asymmetry of travel experiences in Aadujeevitham and Ayesha, we are reminded of the urgent need to interrogate the power structures that govern our world. 

    References

    Aamir, A. (Director). (2023). Ayesha [Film]. Jebin Productions.

    Blessy, B. (Director). (2024). Aadujeevitham [Film]. Visual Romance & Alta Global Media.

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  • From frontlines to timelines: War as a catalyst for time travel

    Abstract

     War has often been a rich and evocative setting in English time travel literature, frequently serving as a backdrop, a source of conflict, or a driving force behind the protagonist’s journey. This study explores how war functions as a catalyst within this genre, delving into its role as a motivator for time travel—whether to prevent or alter catastrophic events, avoid conflicts, or grapple with the far-reaching consequences of war. It examines how the aftermath of war highlights the ethical and complex dilemmas of altering historical events, such as whether preventing one war might inadvertently spark another or create a dystopian future. Additionally, the paper considers time travel as a means of escape or redemption for soldiers, offering deeper insights through the analysis of various literary works.

    Keywords: War, time travel, catastrophe, ethical dilemma, redemption.

    From frontlines to timelines: War as a catalyst for time travel

    War is a powerful force in time travel stories, shaping characters’ journeys through time and providing a deeper look at human struggles, morality, and the consequences of our actions. In these stories, time travel often serves as a way to explore the “What if?” scenarios of war: What if key decisions had been made differently? Could we have avoided the suffering and destruction caused by conflicts? By using time travel, characters try to understand how they might change history or prevent future wars. This connection between war and time travel allows us to reflect on how our choices impact the future and shape our world.

    1. War as a motivator for time travel.
    2. War’s influence on ethical dilemmas in time travel.
    3. War as a soldier’s escape and redemption in time travel literature.

    One important aspect of this relationship is how war motivates time travel. Characters are often driven by the urgency to stop conflicts, escape from war’s horrors, or fix past mistakes. The desire to change the past or prevent future wars can propel them through time, offering a chance to alter the course of history and avoid devastating consequences. In stories like this, the hope is that time travel can lead to a better future, free from the violence and chaos of war.

    However, time travel in the context of war also raises important ethical dilemmas. When characters try to change the past, they face difficult questions about their responsibility and the morality of their actions. Should they interfere with events to prevent suffering, even if it risks causing other problems? This creates tension in time travel narratives, as the characters must navigate the consequences of their choices.

    Additionally, war is often portrayed as a soldier’s escape and path to healing in time travel literature. Time travel offers a way for soldiers to find peace, redemption, or solace, whether by revisiting the past to make amends or escaping the trauma of war. Through time travel, they can find closure and healing from the psychological scars that war leaves behind.

    War as a Motivator of Time Travel

    War serves as a powerful motivator in time travel stories, pushing characters to travel through time for various reasons. One of the main ways war drives time travel is through the desire to prevent future conflicts. In these stories, characters use time travel to intervene in key historical events, aiming to stop wars before they happen. This could involve preventing the assassination of an important leader, stopping the development of dangerous weapons, or neutralizing powerful enemies. The core motivation behind these actions is a deep desire to spare humanity from the horrors of war and to protect innocent lives from unnecessary violence. Time travel becomes a tool to rewrite history and create a more peaceful future.

    Prevention of Future Wars

    For example, in Kindred by Octavia Butler, Dana, a modern African-American woman, is repeatedly pulled back in time to the pre-Civil War South. Her mission is to save Rufus Weylin, her ancestor, from dangerous situations. Dana’s time travel is driven by the need to prevent future violence, oppression, and the cycle of suffering caused by slavery and racial injustice. She believes that by saving Rufus, she can help ensure a better future for future generations. Her journey highlights how time travel can be used to prevent historical violence from repeating itself.

    Another example is Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson, where tensions between Earth and Mars threaten to spark a large-scale war. The characters in this story use advanced technology to anticipate conflicts and strategically influence events to avoid war. They travel through time to predict outcomes and navigate these conflicts, hoping to prevent violence and create peace. In this case, time travel is used as a tool to manipulate history and prevent disastrous consequences from escalating into full-blown war.

    Reversing the Consequences of Past Wars

    On the other hand, some time travel stories focus on reversing the consequences of past wars. Characters in these stories may seek to undo the devastation left behind by wars, such as preventing genocides, rescuing victims of war crimes, or bringing war criminals to justice. The motivation here is rooted in a deep belief in justice and accountability. The desire to fix the damage caused by past conflicts and ensure that history does not repeat itself is a powerful motivator in these narratives.

    For instance, in The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner, the aftermath of the American Civil War profoundly affects the lives of the Compson family. The trauma and social upheaval caused by the war shape their actions, revealing how the consequences of war continue to affect people long after the fighting ends. In this story, time travel doesn’t literally happen, but the past’s impact on the present serves as a reminder of how war’s unresolved consequences can linger in the human psyche, motivating characters to confront their history and seek healing

    Examining the Psychological Impact of War

    Time travel is a powerful tool for exploring the psychological impact of war on individuals and societies. By allowing characters to witness or revisit the horrors of war, time travel helps to show the long-lasting emotional and mental toll that war has on those involved. The trauma of war can leave deep scars, not only during the conflict but also long after it ends. These emotional scars serve as a warning, reminding us of the destructive human cost of war and acting as a deterrent to future violence.

    In Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut, the protagonist, Billy Pilgrim, experiences being “unstuck in time,” meaning he moves back and forth through different moments in his life. His time travels take him to various events, but the most significant one is his experience witnessing the bombing of Dresden during World War II. This event leaves a permanent mark on Billy’s psyche. The horror of seeing so many people die and the destruction of the city is something he can never escape, no matter how many times he travels through time. His time travels show how the trauma of war continues to affect him, even when he is no longer directly involved in the conflict. Through Billy’s experiences, Vonnegut explores how the psychological impact of war lingers, haunting both individuals and society long after the war ends

    Ethical Dilemmas in Time Travel Literature

    While time travel offers opportunities for healing and redemption, it also introduces significant ethical dilemmas. Changing historical events comes with complex moral questions, particularly when it comes to interfering with the past. These dilemmas challenge the characters’ morality, responsibility, and understanding of right and wrong.

    Moral Ambiguity of Intervention

    Intervening in historical events often creates morally ambiguous situations. Characters may have good intentions when they try to prevent wars or other harmful events, but their actions can lead to unpredictable and unintended consequences. The idea of balancing the potential benefits of intervention with the risks of changing the timeline is a central theme in many time travel stories.

    In A Sound of Thunder by Ray Bradbury, a group of time travelers goes back in time to hunt dinosaurs. One small action, like stepping on a butterfly in the past, creates a chain of events that disrupts the future in unexpected ways. This “butterfly effect” shows how even the smallest change in history can have dramatic consequences. In this case, the time travelers’ well-intentioned actions lead to a dystopian future, emphasizing the ethical challenge of interfering with historical events.

    Creating a Dystopian Future

    Time travel narratives often explore how altering the past can lead to unintended dystopian futures. Despite the best efforts of the time travelers, changing events in history can result in worse outcomes than the ones they were trying to avoid. These stories warn of the dangers of meddling with time and highlight the complexities of altering history.

    In Watchmen by Alan Moore, Dr. Manhattan’s intervention in the Vietnam War changes the course of history. His actions lead to a greater imbalance in power and social inequalities, which create long-term instability. Although his intention was to prevent global conflict, his interference exacerbates existing problems, ultimately leading to a dystopian society. This shows how well-meaning interventions can have disastrous consequences, raising important questions about the ethics of time travel.

    The Burden of Responsibility

    Time travelers also face the heavy burden of responsibility. When they alter historical events, they are imposing their own values and beliefs on the past, which may not always be appropriate or just. Even with the best intentions, time travelers may introduce their personal biases into their decisions, affecting the course of history in ways that may not be ethical.

    In The Time Machine by H.G. Wells, the protagonist, the Time Traveler, attempts to change the future by showing people the consequences of their actions. However, despite his efforts, he fails to address the root causes of the problems, such as inequality and exploitation, that have led to the dystopian future he encounters. Similarly, in Blackout/All Clear by Connie Willis, historians working in the past inadvertently disrupt World War II events. Their well-meaning actions cause unintended changes to history, showing how even the most careful interventions can have negative consequences.

    In these examples, time travel introduces complex ethical challenges that question the morality of changing history and the consequences of such interventions. The burden of responsibility lies heavily on time travelers, who must navigate these moral dilemmas while grappling with the unpredictable outcomes of their actions.

    War as a Soldier’s Escape and Redemption in Time Travel

    The concept of war as a soldier’s escape and redemption in time travel stories explores how time travel provides a way for soldiers to heal from the trauma and emotional scars caused by war. For many soldiers, the horrors they have experienced on the battlefield leave deep psychological wounds, making it hard to return to a normal life. Time travel, in these stories, acts as a means of escape and, at times, a path to redemption. It gives soldiers the chance to distance themselves from their traumatic past and seek peace, understanding, and healing.

    Escape from Trauma

    For soldiers suffering from the psychological and emotional effects of war, time travel offers a literal means of escape. The trauma they carry with them often feels overwhelming, and escaping to a simpler, more peaceful time is one way they can find respite from their inner turmoil. Time travel allows them to physically leave the battlefield and step into different eras, sometimes eras where they can avoid the violence and chaos of conflict altogether.

    In Raft by Stephen Baxter, for example, the protagonist, Noah, is a war veteran deeply affected by the trauma of battle. Seeking refuge, he travels to a pre-industrial world, where life is far less complicated and free from the violence that marked his past. In this peaceful setting, Noah finds the tranquility he needs to start healing. This peaceful time offers him solace, allowing him to escape the darkness of his memories. Through this journey, time travel becomes a metaphor for distancing oneself from the past and searching for peace in a world free from conflict.

    Confronting the Past

    While time travel can serve as a temporary escape, it also often forces soldiers to confront their past traumas. Escaping to different times or places may allow them to relax momentarily, but eventually, they must face the reasons for their suffering. Time travel, in these cases, becomes more than just an escape—it becomes a way to process and understand the events that caused their emotional scars. It gives them the chance to interact with different time periods and gain new perspectives on their experiences.

    In To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis, Ned Henry travels through time as part of a historical research project. Initially, time travel seems like an escape from his overwhelming PTSD, but as he journeys to different times, he finds himself processing the events that have hurt him. Each trip through time allows him to gain a new understanding of his experiences, leading to emotional growth and eventual closure. Through time travel, Ned confronts the past directly, and by doing so, he begins the difficult but necessary journey toward healing.

    Renewed Sense of Purpose

    Beyond offering escape and a chance to confront the past, time travel also offers soldiers a renewed sense of purpose. After experiencing the harsh realities of war, many soldiers feel lost or disillusioned, unsure of their place in the world. Time travel provides them with the opportunity to contribute to something greater than themselves, often by preventing future wars or guiding humanity toward peace. This new purpose can act as a form of redemption, allowing soldiers to move past their traumatic experiences and focus on making a positive impact.

    In A Time of Changes by Robert Silverberg, the protagonist, John Grimes, is a soldier who has become disillusioned by the violence and horrors of war. When he is given the opportunity to travel through time, he decides to use his newfound ability to participate in key historical events, shaping the future in a way that might prevent future conflicts. This gives him a sense of meaning and direction, helping him move beyond his wartime experiences. By engaging in historical events and guiding humanity toward a better future, Grimes finds a purpose that helps him overcome his disillusionment and guilt from his past.

    In each of these examples, time travel serves as a tool for soldiers to find peace, confront their past, and regain a sense of purpose. Whether it’s escaping trauma, processing past experiences, or contributing to a greater cause, time travel gives soldiers the opportunity to heal in ways that would be impossible in the real world. Through these journeys, they discover that while the past cannot be undone, they can still shape their future in meaningful ways.

    Conclusion

    War serves as a potent catalyst for time travel narratives, offering unique insights into history, morality, and the human condition. These stories explore war’s ability to motivate time travel journeys, confront ethical dilemmas, and provide soldiers with paths to redemption. They deepen our understanding of war’s enduring impact and provoke critical reflections on reconciling humanity’s violent past with aspirations for a just future.

    The significance of these narratives lies in their capacity to illuminate the resilience and moral complexity of those caught in conflict. They challenge readers to consider the consequences of war and the ethical dimensions of attempting to alter history. By placing war within speculative frameworks, time travel literature invites readers to confront and reimagine the human experience.

    Looking ahead, the intersection of speculative fiction and war offers fertile ground for exploration. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence raise compelling questions about war’s ethics, human cost, and the nature of time in speculative storytelling. By integrating these technological and philosophical dimensions, future studies can expand our appreciation of how speculative fiction continues to respond to and reshape our understanding of war.

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