Unveiling Hidden Desires: A Feminist Analysis of Ismat Chughtai’s “Lihaaf”

Abstract

Ismat Chughtai’s iconic short story “Lihaaf” (The Quilt) has long been a subject of critical examination due to its exploration of female sexuality, power dynamics, and societal norms. This short story is a bold and provocative work that challenges the gender and sexuality norms prevalent in Indian society during the time it was written.  In this article, we delve into the layers of Chughtai’s narrative to highlight how multiple themes such as relations of power, gender and desire intersect each other in the shaping of norms regarding female sexuality in a patriarchal society.  Employing the lens of gender theories and of Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis (FCDA), the paper focuses on drawing out the intersections of language, power, and gender, and on their role in constituting gendered discourses of sexuality.  The paper looks at how Chughtai’s “Lihaaf”, subverts established norms of heteronormativity, homonormativity and gender relations, and amplifies silenced voices.