Resonating with the Soul: A Review of Peregrination of the Soul

During a three-day international conference titled "Peripheral Epistemologies: Voicing the Unvoiced", held from 18–20 April 2024 at the University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore, my literary journey took a meaningful turn. As a PhD student of English with research focused on English theatre, I have read and analyzed a variety of stage plays, but it was there that I first heard about the play Peregrination of the Soul—a title that instantly intrigued me. The depth of the idea stood apart from mainstream theatrical narratives. Moved by curiosity and a sense of connection, I obtained a signed copy from the author herself.

Earlier, I published a brief reflection on this work on Hamariweb titled “A Long Yet Inspiring Stage Play: Peregrination of the Soul”. Recently, I came across an Urdu article in Roznama Pakistan that explored the writer's background and her creative motivations. That reaffirmed my own positive impression of the book. However, this moment, I believe, is ripe to expand my thoughts and cast light on the remarkable dialogue craft in the play—particularly how it echoes the core values cherished by Forman Christian College University (FCCU), an institution deeply revered in my family. This craft motivated me to be a writer-my first two ever written articles for an online platform (Hamariweb) are only because of this masterpiece. Though I couldn’t study at FCCU myself due to being based in Gujrat, my inner desire remains intertwined with its spirit—perhaps that’s why this book feels so personally significant to me.
I am not mentioning complete dialogues due to copyright concerns, though they are worth mentioning.

1. Personality Development and Nurturing Positive Habits
The character of Mr. Marcellus, a mentor figure in the play, delivers lessons that resonate deeply with the idea of character building:
MR. MARCELLUS: So, boys, yesterday we talked about personality grooming and habits.
ALFRED: Sir, I will keep that poem by Lao-Tze always in my mind: “Watch your thoughts…….they become your destiny.”
The emphasis on self-awareness and consistency in habits reminds me of the guiding role educators at FCCU play in shaping student character.

2. Fostering Relationships with Friends and Family
The play doesn’t shy away from addressing emotional intelligence:
MR. MARCELLUS: Family is your soul connection...
ALFRED: Sir, once you quoted John C. Maxwell: “The better you are at surrounding yourself with people of high potential…”
Such conversations mirror FCCU’s holistic view of nurturing individuals with strong social values and emotional bonds.

3. Recognizing Self-Worth and Upholding Integrity
MR. MARCELLUS: What is the first gift of love your parents give you?
ALBERT: Sir, it is education.
MR. MARCELLUS: It is the name.
Here, the power of identity and pride in heritage is beautifully crafted. The narrative reaffirms integrity:
THE SOULS: We have been the men of integrity...discipline and accountability...standards of excellence.
Such words go beyond dialogue—they echo institutional values of moral uprightness that FCCU consistently promotes.

4. Respect for Human Dignity
THE SOULS: We touched the core of humanity through service and taking care of the dignity of every human being.
This line stands tall among others, resonating with the FCCU value of inclusivity, empathy, and respect for all.

5. Discipline, Fairness, and Justice
AZIEL: The trial of self-accountability is still there.
THE SOULS: ...discipline and accountability, fairness and justice...
In a world growing increasingly chaotic, such calls to inner discipline and self-auditing are not only timely—they’re essential.

6. Vision of Excellence and Service to Community
MR. MARCELLUS: You have reached excellence as you have set the right standards to meet goals.
MR. MARCELLUS: It is a must for him to visit needy people in his community...so he touches humanity...
The play builds a powerful case for purpose-driven excellence and community outreach—values deeply etched in the mission of FCCU.

7. Embracing Diversity and Avoiding Addiction
ALDEN: I believe that we are born to accept the diversity in creation.
MR. MARCELLUS: He has got enough of the lessons not to be caged...by addictions.
The narrative bravely touches modern challenges while promoting acceptance and self-control, offering a refreshing blend of classical form and contemporary relevance.

Final Thoughts
Peregrination of the Soul is not merely a stage play; it is a reflective pilgrimage through values, struggles, aspirations, and transformation. The dialogues are its soul—penetrating, philosophical, yet grounded in everyday human experience. The voice of Mr. Marcellus reminds me of a committed Formanite teacher, and the journey of Aziel feels like a quest for moral and spiritual awakening—something all educational institutions, especially FCCU, stand for.
For me, as someone whose roots are connected to FCCU through my elders, this book bridges my academic interest in theatre with a personal longing. It’s a literary mirror of the values I believe in, and I hope more students and scholars of literature engage with it as a rich educational and emotional text.