East Is East- representation of characters

• ·        Ayub Khan-Din wrote the story (based on his life) (youngest son Sajid).
• ·         Damien O’Donnell directed the film.
• ·         Film released in 1999, but set in the 70s (set in Salford)
• ·          “East Is East and west is west and never the twain shall meet”- connotation that the mixing of             cultures/religions cannot mix. You can’t help to change the people from the east or the people from the west. Perspectives are different (different ways of walking dressing thinking etc.) 

Character	Representation
Zahir "George" Khan:	“patriarch of the family”- he’s known as George because he probably picked the name up being around the British- in a way his culture has been meshed with the British culture- Married to 2 women ( British woman and a Pakistani woman)
Ella Khan (mother):	An Irish-Catholic, she finds herself unable to stand up to George until he pushes her too far by abusing their children. This possibly shows that she is encouraging to change his strict and patriarchal view yet she dresses in Asian clothing. Cultures are transmitted between the two creating a Brasian (British Asian) identity between the two.
Sajid"Spaz" Khan (youngest son):	The sixth son and youngest child. His suffering from his recent circumcision makes Ella wonder if it was really a right decisions mad by Zahir. This shows their different opinions possibly because of their different culture? He wears a parka at all times of day and night.
Maneer "Gandhi" Khan:	The fourth son. He is the only one who obeys George's rules, and ironically the only one who George beats. He spends a lot of time reading
Saleem "Picasso" Khan:	The fifth son. He seems indifferent to George's authority but stands by his mother and siblings when George goes too far. On a comical note, he is studying Foundation Art, while George believes he is training to become an engineer. Could possibly be a stereotypical of an Asian parent wanting their son to become a professional with a professional occupation e.g. doctor
Tariq "Tony" Khan :	The third son. He is the most rebellious and even attempts to flee to when he finds out about George's marriage plan for him. Could have a negative view on Asian arranged marriages?
Meenah Khan:	The sixth child and the only daughter. She also has a rebellious streak and frequently teases Sajid. (which goes against the typical Asian daughter who keeps her family honor "IZZAT")
Abdul "Arthur" Khan:	The second son. He seems to dislike conflict and does not rebel against George's authority until he abuses Ella.
Nazir"Nigel" Khan (eldest son):	He is disowned by George after fleeing an arranged marriage for a homosexual relationship. Emphasizes how he has gone against his father and culture. (big significance on family honor)