Delayed Revenge in Benazir’s Life: Reading Daughter of the Destiny

Abstract

This thesis explores the theme of delayed revenge in Benazir Bhutto’s life, as depicted in her autobiography, Daughter of Destiny, and how she attained power through perseverance. Benazir Bhutto portrays her struggles and pains as steps towards success, emphasizing the importance of self-control, patience, endurance, and practice in overcoming obstacles. She dedicates her autobiography to her father, honoring his life and legacy, and imparting the key lesson she learned from him: the significance of timing in politics. This lesson guided her throughout her life. Bhutto's narrative serves not only as a personal memoir but also as a potent political statement and a form of rebellion against her adversaries and the martial regime. The thesis particularly highlights the concept of delayed revenge and its psychological benefits, illustrating how it helps maintain mental balance. The pursuit of immediate revenge can lead to emotional breakdowns and irrational decisions, driving individuals to madness. Internal factors may influence one’s decisions, sometimes leading to regrettable actions. Bhutto herself faced moments where she was tempted by revenge but chose to move forward without succumbing to it. Her practice of delayed gratification enabled her to stay stable and sane despite the pain. Bhutto’s approach aligns with Freud’s concepts of the unconscious, consciousness, and subconscious, which contribute to psychological stability without losing one’s mind. Keywords: delayed revenge, unconsciousness, psychological disbalance, military regime, delayed gratification