Feminist Literary Inquiry: Analyzing Gender Dynamics in the Works of Begum Rokeya and Anita Desai

Abstract

This research explores gender dynamics and feminist perspectives through a comparative analysis of the works of two prominent South Asian authors: Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain and Anita Desai. While Rokeya, a pioneering Bengali feminist, critiques the patriarchal structures of early 20th-century colonial India in Sultana's Dream and Abarodhbashini, Desai, a postcolonial Indian English writer, delves into the psychological complexities of contemporary Indian women in novels such as Cry, the Peacock and The Domestic Maid. Both authors challenge gender norms and address the subjugation of women within patriarchal societies, though they do so in distinct ways. Rokeya presents an idealized feminist utopia where women hold power and lead society, using satire and progressive narratives to advocate for women’s education and liberation. In contrast, Desai’s works reveal the inner emotional and psychological struggles of women, emphasizing the impact of societal and familial expectations on their lives. This study applies feminist literary theory, with a focus on intersectionality, patriarchy, female agency, and resistance, to examine how these two authors portray gender relations and the impact of social, cultural, and historical contexts on women’s experiences. By comparing their approaches, this research underscores the importance of feminist literary inquiry in understanding the complexities of gender and power in South Asian literature.