Well, in a joint family novel, one of the main characteristics is the complex web of relationships. There are multiple generations living together, like grandparents, parents, and children, sometimes even extended family members. This often leads to a rich tapestry of stories involving family traditions, power dynamics, and conflicts. For example, in some joint family novels, the eldest in the family might have a say in all major decisions, which can cause friction with the younger generations who have different ideas.
A joint family consisted of three generations. The grandparents had grown up in a different era and taught the values of hard work and respect to the younger ones. The family had a tradition of having a big dinner every Sunday. During these dinners, they would discuss the week's events, plan for the future, and sometimes even have friendly debates. One time, the family decided to renovate their old house. Everyone participated, from the young children helping with small tasks to the adults handling the major construction work. It was a story of unity and togetherness in a joint family.
In a joint family story, financial management can be a real challenge. With more people, there are more expenses and different ideas about how to spend money. Some might want to save for the future while others are more interested in immediate comforts. Also, there can be conflicts over space. With limited rooms and a large number of family members, disputes can arise over who gets which room or how to use the common areas.
One famous joint family novel is 'The God of Small Things' by Arundhati Roy. It delves into the complex relationships within a family in Kerala, India, exploring themes of love, caste, and social norms.
Typically, they have a large cast of characters. For instance, in 'A Suitable Boy', there are numerous family members with different personalities and roles. This reflects the complexity of a joint family.
Often, there is a theme of unity and division in the context of romance in joint family stories. The couple may find themselves uniting against the overbearing or interfering family members at times. On the other hand, they might also be the cause of division within the family if their relationship goes against the family's norms. This creates a complex web of emotions and situations that are central to such stories.
One characteristic is the vivid portrayal of family members. In these novels, each character in the joint family, from the strict elders to the mischievous kids, is depicted in a detailed and often humorous way. For instance, an old grandmother who is overly superstitious and her antics can be a source of comedy.
Joint family novels often show cultural values through family hierarchies. For example, in many such novels, the eldest male might be the head of the family, which reflects a patriarchal cultural value.
One common theme is family honor. In joint family based Urdu novels, the family's reputation is often of utmost importance. Characters will go to great lengths to protect it. For example, in many stories, a young girl's behavior might be strictly monitored to uphold the family's honor.