ABSTRACT The purpose of the paper is to study quest for self in the novels of Sudha Murty, taking in account the complexity of life, different histories, culture and different structure of values, the women’s question, despite basic solidarity, needs to be tackled in relation to socio-cultural situation. Women under patriarchal pressure and control are subjected to much more bunts and social exclusion. They live and struggle under the oppressive mechanism of closed society, is very much reflected in her writings. They are more discriminated and biased in lieu of their sex. Murty is considered to be one of the most realistic author, for she is able to bring the true picture of psyche of the women changing with the times.
While women remained conservative and subservient, this novel roused the spirit of feminism which led to the change in women’s social status by the end of the nineteenth century. Through Catherine, the main protagonist, whose strong and rebellious character was evident throughout the novel, she was able to portray the female consciousness that rejects and abhors the male-dominated society she lived in. She also possessed a strong sense of independence, and sought for happiness through her struggles and battles against the patriarchy. Despite the idea of women being depicted as weak and incapable of thinking for themselves, Catherine’s persona showed that the gentle grace and civility of a Victorian woman did not suit her – she grew up to be wild and unrefined – unlike her sister-in-law,
Cheryl A. Wall, for example, collected important contributions, made by women, in her book, Women of the Harlem Renaissance. She focuses her book on the journey of black women during the Harlem Renaissance because their journey “reflect[s] the sense of possibility, disappointment, and perseverance... [because] these writers had to invent themselves at a time when the term ‘black,’ ‘women,’ and ‘artist’ were never complementary” (Wall). Thus, modern historians are able to comprehend the feelings of limitation that these writers felt. It was harder for women to succeed in the art field, due to societal roles and expectations.
At the same time, she debunks the stereotype of the incredibly resilient Black woman that Black women quietly accept. In her assertions, Black men and women have accepted ideals of manhood and womanhood imposed by White society which has led to division of the black race.
The fact that African Americans made their own Gibson Girl proves how influential the Gibson Girl was and proves that women were affected by the "New Woman"; which leads to the conclusion that the Gibson Girl was a reality that women embraced. Gibson Girls have been questioned about whether they were imitated in the real world, but evidence shows that upper class women, at least, carried out the ideal. Part of being a Gibson Girl entailed a higher education, and middle-class women were seen as too delicate to pursue a degree and a strenuous job. "While productive labor for men meant engaging in bouts of physical exertion to compensate for the feminizing effects of brain work in
Alice Walker quotes and adapts Virginia Woolf’s writing to reframe it for black women. She inserts and changes words to reshape Woolf’s writing to reach black feminists and to tell the painful narrative of black women’s history. It is clear that Alice Walker has respect for Virginia Woolf, and while she does not tear Woolf down in her essay, she also does not sing Woolf’s praises. By using quotes from Woolf, Walker is able to contrast her own experiences, and those of other black women, with Woolf’s ideas about feminism. Virginia Woolf was British, white, and privileged; she had a prominent voice among peers and was held in high regard.
Celie succeeds in her quest for identity and history by developing an understanding of her roots and heritage and acquiring the awareness that she has a right to happiness, passion, creativity and emotional fulfilment. To exercise her rights as an individual, Celie learns to resist the advances of black men who hinder her self- fulfilment. Alice Walker has been vehemently criticized within the African- American community for her portrayal of black men as abusers and rapists. Like her literary predecessor, Zora Neale Hurston, who was criticized during the Harlem Renaissance for her feminist writing, Alice Walker has withstood the criticism. She has held on her convictions and continued to be a spokesman for the cause of the oppressed black woman.
Abstract The paper, titled Female Resistance against Repression throws light on the significance of the institution of marriage and familial love as portrayed in Shobha De’s sensational novel Strange Obsession. It also underscores that women, must be discrete to distinguish between the real and deceptive, fake and genuine, deleterious and healthy. She also exhorts the need for women to master their own self in the process of attaining independence. The emphasis is laid on curbing the unconventional feminine desires which subjugates women. As a socially conscious writer, De attempts to bring these erring women back into the orbit of socially sanctified morality.
The main themes that can be clearly seen and felt are society, class and marriage. Another common theme is women's morality and sensuality. Before the publication of Jane Eyre, women were simple supposed to live under the expectations of society. After this novel was published, the "new woman" became predominant who was based on the main character, Jane, who was independent, strong, forward, and radical in the sense of marriage and contraception opinions. The theme of sex scandal goes along with women's morality and sensuality because it also went against the prior conservative social expectations and beliefs for women.
K. Narayan tries to promote the status of women very consciously. His ‘Women’s Lib’ movement, which actually begins in The Dark Room, comes to an apparent fulfillment in The Painter of Signs, encompassing a long journey from Savitri to Daisy via Shanti, Bharati and Rosie. The novelist laments the pitiable condition of women and this has perhaps led him to formulate the ‘Women’s Lib’ movement. Narayan does not advocate the westernized life style of women and he cannot accept the atrocities done on women in the moribund Malgudi patriarchal society. Thus, Narayan favours freedom for his new women and wants to see them educated, active and independent.