Creative Saplings
Not a member yet
504 research outputs found
Sort by
From Search for The Mother to Search for Two Indias- A Study of the Representation of New India in Three Indian English Novels
Full text linkA major theme of recent Indian novels in English is the portrayal of the New India with all its glory and darkness in varied scale. This portrayal has often been criticized as part of the postcolonial exotic or celebrated as the progress of the postcolonial nation. There are many novels which have represented both these aspects of New India—the progress and the darkness— without overt castigation or celebration. This paper is concerned with such three Indian English novels-- Kunal Basu’s Sarojini’s Mother (2020), Shilpi Somaya Gowda’s Secret Daughter (2010) and Jaishree Misra’s A Scandalous Secret (2011)—all of which deal with the search for biological roots as major characters come to India in search of their parentage. The argument of this paper is that besides this thematic similarity all these novels expose the two faces of New India—both its light and darkness without any conscious attempt to moralize or castigate. This paper discusses how the search for real mothers turns into search for real India with all its success and failures but the conclusions of these novels put the emphasis on emotional enrichment and maturity rather than on mere fact-finding or exoticizing
Book Review Gods, Graves, and Grandmother by Namita Gokhale, Penguin, 248 Pages. 1 November 2001. ISBN: 978-0141006994
Full text linkBook Review Gods, Graves, and Grandmother by Namita Gokhale, Penguin, 248 Pages. 1 November 2001. ISBN: 978-014100699
Writing Silence: Refiguring Victimization and Agency in My Mother’s Daughter
Full text linkThrough the gendered lens, silence framed as a complex phenomenon is a site of power struggle, which privileges men the authority to ‘speak’, set against their female counterparts who are rendered ‘silent.’ The juxtaposition between ‘voice’ and ‘voiceless’ stems from the narrative of exploitation and gendered violence through the patriarchal monopoly of exclusionism tactics on women as the marginalized ‘other.’ In recent times, feminist scholarship has brought a new understanding of silence, voice, and agency. The dynamics of silence, or being silenced, can be viewed from multiple-layered perspectives, ranging from the coercive imposition of silence (by men to women) to the emerging discourse on the deliberate choice to remain ‘silent,’ or to “talk back” or “talking back” by women (hooks 5). In this paradigm, silence is an enforced tool employed by men in regressive attempts to disempower women’s identity and their autonomy/ agency through victimization and oppression. The strategic silence employed by women necessitates a paradoxical formation of a language of its own, coded with a female voice or narrative. This paper aims to delve deeply into the treatment of silence by mapping Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o’s My Mother’s Daughter from a gendered standpoint. It seeks to study victimization, oppression, voice/voicelessness, and agency through instances of silence in the text
Exploring the Spiritual Synergy: An Analytical Examination of Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar’s Bhakti Poetry
Full text linkSant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar are the two most reverential figures in Indian spirituality. This paper aims to explore the philosophical ideas and spiritual insights of the Sant Dhyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram. The Dnyaneshwari and Abhangas remain timeless works with significant relevance in the modern world. At the heart of Dnyaneshwari, lies a profound exploration of the human experience, delving into the complex interplay between the individual and the societal constructs that shape our reality. In the corporate world, people are under tremendous intentional stress due to the pressure of output and expectations, and Sant’s teachings often bring comfort and solace. With his heartfelt Abhangas, Sant Tukaram taught the essence of devotion and spiritual liberation on the basis of social equality and inner purity, which fostered a spiritual revolution in Marathi culture and tradition. Similarly, Sant Dhyaneshwar, with his balanced intellectual candour combined with spiritual fervour, offered a holistic approach to spiritualit
Dynamics of Gender and Health in Bama’s Sangati and Kadeeja Mumtas’ Barsa
Full text linkGender and health are two separate disciplines having a strong connection with each other. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), gender is a core social determinant of health and health inequalities. These health inequalities are associated with the lifestyle, accessibility and care provided to men and women. In most Indian societies, women are perceived as child-bearers, caregivers having no say in the communities they live in. Moreover they have been shoved into margins and an indifferent attitude is formed for them. From the viewpoint of gender, class or ethnic disparities women in India face a multitude of health and hygiene problems. This marginalization causes inequitable access to essential human needs such as water, proper health and sanitary facilities. Consequently women have poorer health than men. Another form in which women are suppressed and oppressed are sexual harassment, violence, physical abuse, occupational and environmental hazards due to which they not only suffer from physiological problems but it also affects their mental health like psychological stress and strain. These health issues deteriorate their well- being. Due to casteism prevalent in our society the so- called power holders exploit Dalit women treating them as lower than humans and ‘other’. Bama’s Sangati is a look at the part of the lives of those Paraiya women. Kadeeja Mumtas’ novel Barsa is a commentary on the position of women in Muslim society focusing on the illegal practices like circumcision. This paper aims to examine the issues which the Tamil Christian Dalit women and Muslim women face in terms of health and sexuality as discussed in Bama’s Sangati and Kadeeja Mumtas’ Barsa through depicting a critique of several generations of women
“Who Needs a Hero? Redefining Female Agency in Jane Austen’s Novels”
Full text linkWritten as a way of introducing the exceptionally talented mind of Jane Austen, this article explores the broad array of geniuses that she embodies. The article traces the development of her voice over the course of her novels, focusing on character perspective and creation. Austen also switches between multiple narrative perspectives (omniscient and internal monologues), providing depth to her characters within a unified story. It seems to me that this approach highlights a shining example of Austen using her language and perspective as tools, establishing an understanding that she is not merely an observer or recorder of social comment, but a text weaver. Moreover, the novels of Austen reveal a singular blend of conventional literary structure and its opposition. And as her novels of social comedy provide subtle arguments with contemporary society, and although she respects traditional forms and customs Austen also questions much of the prevailing standards of the time akin to how she pits tradition against individual growth more and more as becomes noticeable in each successive novel. This act of placing women, bold for the era given gender roles at the time, at the forefront of her narratives ensured Austen\u27s place as a literary giantess and an early figurehead for the feminist novel. Excerpts from Austen\u27s works, supplemented with scholarly arguments, illustrate the complexity of her narrative method and thematic investigations during the analysis. Overall, this paper contributes to the landscape of Austen adaptation as well as illuminates Austen\u27s long-lasting ability to tell stories through English prose, all contributing to the trajectory of the novel
Ecofeminism in Margaret Atwood’s Novel Surfacing
Full text linkMargaret Atwood being the most significant Canadian novelist, poet and critic is chiefly popular for her writing about several social problems. This research paper chiefly analyses the depiction of ecological consciousness and its resemblance with women’s condition in Margaret Atwood’s widespread novel Surfacing. It is one of the most influential and pioneering novels of Margaret Atwood. It is observed that throughout the book, she tries to convey her concern about the planet earth. The novel primarily focuses on the negative effect of so called modern and advance technological development and human centered world on mother earth. Simultaneously, the novel also portrays the struggle of an unnamed protagonist and the narrator against the brutality of modern world. In the novel Atwood effectively tries to build the strong connection between women and nature
Unveiling the Untold: A Retelling of Sita in Modern Literature with a Special Focus on Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s Feminist Rendition in The Forest of Enchantments
Full text linkWithin the context of the world\u27s mythical heritage, Indian history is a priceless find, with a rich legacy marked by the potent influence of revered goddesses and mythological women. Indian tradition has elevated its women in classical and sacred history more than any other civilization, thus enhancing the appreciation of Indian culture across the world. Indian mythology\u27s outstanding female figures have made a lasting impression by standing for courage, tenacity, and profound understanding. These extraordinary women have stood the test of time and become symbols of female empowerment, and future generations are motivated by their incredible tales. Their traditional pursuits, which are deeply rooted in a sense of obligation, morality, and altruism, show a rich cultural tapestry of generosity. The most highly venerated character in Hindu mythology, Sita is the main character in the epic Ramayana. Her remarkable degree of dedication is demonstrated by her everlasting devotion to Lord Rama during the exile, as well as by her remarkable resilience and diligent work throughout her days in Ashok Vatika. From Sita\u27s perspective, the story of The Forest of Enchantments is told. She communicates her happiness and sadness as a human. Nature plays an important role in Sita\u27s journey. Both the natural environment and herself are healable. The work presents a harmonious portrayal of the symbiotic interaction between nature and the obstacles encountered by women. The story depicts Sita\u27s life in Mithila, her love for Ram, their marriage, her life in the Ayodhya palace, her days in exile, her feelings and yearning for motherhood, her agony during her days in captivity, and, in the end, her sadness.