IDENTITY, TRAUMA, AND LIBERATION: WOMEN'S EXISTENTIAL DILEMMAS IN TONI MORRISON'S BELOVED AND ALICE WALKER'S THE COLOR PURPLE

This research endeavours to explore the existential crises experienced by the female characters in Toni Morrison's "Beloved" and Alice Walker's "The Color Purple." An existentialist lens is employed to explore the existential dilemmas faced by these women, encompassing questions of authenticity, agency, and the search for meaning amidst adversity. Through a comprehensive analysis that encompasses protagonists and supporting characters alike, the paper seeks to elucidate the subtle complexities of female subjectivity and existential struggle within the context of historical and cultural frameworks. Drawing upon a feminist literary perspective, this research explores the experiences of female characters, interrogating the intersections of race, gender, and power dynamics. Furthermore, Employing a comparative approach, this study delves into the collective experiences of women across both texts, examining themes of identity, trauma, and societal oppression. Also, by addressing the collective experiences of women across both texts, this research contributes to a nuanced understanding of the complexities of female existence and the enduring pursuit of agency and liberation amidst oppressive societal structures.