Patriarchal Problems and the Concept of Independent Woman in Manju Kapur’s Difficult Daughters

Authors

  • S. Kanagarasu Research Scholar, PG & Research Dept. of English, Thiruvalluvar Govt. Arts College, Rasipuram, Namakkal 637 401, Tamil Nadu, India.
  • Dr. B. Shyamaladevi Associate Professor, PG & Research Dept. of English, Thiruvalluvar Govt. Arts College, Rasipuram, Namakkal 637 401, Tamil Nadu, India.

Keywords:

New Women, Patriarchal Society, Traditional Vs. Modern

Abstract

This article aims to analyse the portrayal of the "new woman" in Kapur's book, addressing the intricacy of life, diverse historical backgrounds, cultures, and value systems in a socio-cultural context. Kapur's writings reflect the hardships and unjust treatment faced by women in remote communities, experiencing discrimination and prejudice under the influence of patriarchal subjugation. Her works depict the emergence of a new era for women, characterized by liberation and empowerment, where they strive to define their own-self. Kapur in her works, also illustrate the plight of women and their subjugation, emphasizing their marginalization in terms of rights. The female heroines in Manju Kapur's works are typically well-educated with great fortitude but find themselves confined by traditional cultural constraints. Their education fosters independent thought, making their family and society unbearable. Consequently, they engage in a personal battles against family and society, dedicating themselves to the pursuit of a distinct identity as accomplished women.

Author Biographies

S. Kanagarasu, Research Scholar, PG & Research Dept. of English, Thiruvalluvar Govt. Arts College, Rasipuram, Namakkal 637 401, Tamil Nadu, India.

S. Kanagarasu is a research scholar in the PG and Research Department of English at Thiruvalluvar Government Arts College, Rasipuram, Tamil Nadu. He is fascinated by Indian Writings in English and also engages in literature and language studies. He actively participates in online and offline sessions on various aspects of English literature and language. Passionate about research and professional development, he enjoys attending workshops, conferences, and other academic events, continuously seeking to expand his knowledge and expertise in his field.

Dr. B. Shyamaladevi, Associate Professor, PG & Research Dept. of English, Thiruvalluvar Govt. Arts College, Rasipuram, Namakkal 637 401, Tamil Nadu, India.

Dr. B. Shyamala serves as a research supervisor and Associate Professor in the PG and Research Department of English at Thiruvalluvar Government Arts College, Rasipuram, Tamil Nadu. With a profound interest in Indian Writings in English, she is dedicated to exploring various dimensions of literature and language. Dr. Shyamala regularly engages in online and offline sessions on different aspects of English literature and language. Committed to research and professional development, she enjoys conducting and attending academic events, always striving to broaden her knowledge and skills in her field.

References

Chander, Avinash. “Manju Kapur’s “Difficult Daughters”: A Feminist Perspective.” Research Journal of English Language and Literature, vol. 7, no. 3, July 2019 pp. 206—209.

Harrison, Lawerence. Culture Matters: How Values Shape Human Progress. New York: Basic Books, 2000.

Johnson, Allan G. The Gender Knot: Unraveling Our Patriarchal Legacy. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1997.

Kapur, Manju. Difficult Daughters. London: Faber,1998.

Kathiresan and Vishnupriya. “Portrayal of Women in Manju Kapur’s Difficult Daughters.” Shanlax International Journal of English, vol. 3, no. 4, Sep 2015, pp. 17—20.

Kumari, Priyanka and Niraj Dang. “Narrative of Resistance: A Critical Study of "Difficult Daughters" by Manju Kapur.” NIU International Journal of Human Rights, vol. 8, no. 3, Mar. 2021, pp. 104—113.

Manju and Lissy. “Individual and Society in Manju Kapur’s Difficult Daughters.” Shanlax International Journal of English, vol. 6, no. 1, Jan. 2019, pp. 902—905.

Nye, Andrea. Feminist Theory and the Philosophies of Man. New York: Routledge.1989

Schusky, Ernest L. Introducing Culture. Englewood Cliffs, N.J., Prentice Hall.1967

Yadav, Manisha. “A New Woman in Manju Kapur’s ‘Difficult Daughters’.” Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research, vol. 6, no. 1, Jan. 2019, pp. 902—905.

Downloads

Published

01.07.2024

How to Cite

S. Kanagarasu, & B. Shyamaladevi. (2024). Patriarchal Problems and the Concept of Independent Woman in Manju Kapur’s Difficult Daughters. Journal of Teaching and Research in English Literature, 15(3), 26–31. Retrieved from https://journals.eltai.in/index.php/jtrel/article/view/JTREL150305

Issue

Section

Research Articles