From Myth to Modernity: A Feminist Exploration of Indian Women in English Literature

Indian English literature has long been examined for its portrayal of women within patriarchal frameworks. This study explores how contemporary Indian women writers, particularly Shashi Deshpande and Arundhati Roy, dismantle gendered narratives and present women as multidimensional, autonomous figures. Employing feminist literary theory, the research analyzes selected works like "That Long Silence" and "The God of Small Things" to understand the way female protagonists negotiate their lives through patriarchal expectations for self-definition and independence. The study reveals that these authors use fiction as a tool to critique social injustices and rejoice in the changing identity of Indian women. That Long Silence by Shashi Deshpande primarily focuses on its portrayal of the complexities of Indian women's lives, gender discrimination, and the impact of patriarchy. “The God of Small Things” critiques patriarchal and caste-based oppression in postcolonial India by showing how it affects women across three generations. It holds that literature serves as a catalyst in social transformation, reshaping collective consciousness and furthering feminist ideals in Indian society.