Monju Character Analysis in Brick Lane

A friend of Hasina’s, she lies for a long time in the hospital, a victim of an acid attack at the hands of her husband and her husband’s sister. Monju was married at thirteen and became a mother shortly thereafter. Her husband wanted to sell their son, but Monju wouldn’t let him and so he poured acid on the baby. She works all her life to support her son, disabled by the attack. Eventually, Lovely agrees to pay for the boy’s next surgery, and Monju dies relieved.

Monju Character Timeline in Brick Lane

The timeline below shows where the character Monju appears in Brick Lane. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Cultural and Religious Sexism Theme Icon

...dated May, she writes to Nazneen about finding out through the grapevine that her friend, Monju, is near death. She goes to see Monju in the hospital and finds her in... (full context)

In a letter dated June 2001, Hasina writes of telling Lovely about Monju. Monju was married off at thirteen and soon had a son. When the son was... (full context)

...At the show, one boy and one girl will get the award for best hair. Monju’s husband poured acid on her seven-day-old son and she has spent all of her money... (full context)

...be mad, but she took it to the hospital to pay for new dressings for Monju. Monju does not want money spent on her. She thinks only of her son. Hasina... (full context)

...next letter is dated August. Hasina writes of going back to the hospital to visit Monju. Lovely supports her completely in these visits and asks her to take Jimmy and Daisy... (full context)

Displacement and Dissociation Theme Icon

...She begins one of her usual letters, mentioning the girls and sending good wishes to Monju and her son. Nazneen knows it is inadequate. Hasina’s letters are always so full of... (full context)

In a letter dated September 2001, Hasina writes that Monju has died. Hasina is glad that her friend is now relieved from her suffering, and... (full context)

Hasina had the chance to give the good news to Monju before she died, and she could see the joy and relief in the woman’s eye.... (full context)