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Portrayal Of Women In Mens Writing

Shot of young woman taking down notes in diary. Female university student preparing note for the exam at library.

From the centuries, literature is conveying and mentioning clearly about the scenarios and conditions of the world.

It is therefore the greatest of human innovations, connecting people together who never were aware of each other. Literature is an addition to physical existence, not a mere description of it. It enhances the requisite capability and knowledge in daily life.

Through literature, people can traverse across the greatest and some insignificant aspects in the human continuance.

Women is portrayed in many forms in Indian culture when we talk of oral literature the goddess is perceived as Devi, or as a being who is Incorruptible, pure, all merciful, and forgiving, as in the presentation of Sita in the Ramayana or Savitri in the Tale Satyavan.

The same is true of Damyanti in Nal Damyanti and Ahilya in “Ramayana”. The goddess is seen as Shakti or the embodiment of power. This is manifest in stories dealing with Durga and Kali, the destroyers of evil.

Secondly, As a beloved, the woman is often perceived as a tragic heroine,as in the folk love tales of Heer Ranjha, Shirin Farhad, Laila Majnu, and the beloved aspects of Sita and other Devi embodiments.

The highest and most complex form of this lover-beloved image is enshrined in the Radha Krishna love tale.If not a tragic heroine, pure and incorruptible in her love, she is portrayed as a scheming “other” woman.

This is best seen in the stories of Tota Maina, where the perfidy of woman and man is related in turn by the male Tota (parrot) and female(Maina) .It can also be seen in the stories of Panchtantra and other tales.

Thirdly as the householder and the housewife are quite distinct as far as the picture of women in Indian oral literature is concerned. The woman is never alone with her husband in the household. She is part of the larger family in which her predicament emerges not only from her relations with her husband (or lack of them), but also from her relations with a wide host of other females and males of the household.

These all perspectives depicted women in certain roles when we talk of mens writings there we point on to Rabindranath Tagore known vividly for his vast collection of poems, prose, plays, stories and novels, Tagore put women in the forefront in his works to convey feminism very strongly.

Being a progressive thinker, his writings often were based on bold subjects that were far ahead of the time.

Tagore’s short stories and novels of the Post Gitanjali period portray the emancipated women. His heroines of this period become a vehicle for the attack of male-domination, advocacy of women’s education, and cause of the emancipation of women.

The portrayal of Sudha’s attraction to the female body of Giribala is a significant bold construction of Tagore. He has touched the chord of Lesbian Feminism, which evolved in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Tagore took up the deprived life of a widow – Binodini – and her sexual emancipation in a love quadrangle tale “Chokher Bali”.

Another prolific hindi literature writer ‘Premchand’ can’t be missed upon which highlights some Female Characters From Premchand’s Stories .

Let’s take a look at some strong female characters from Premchand’s inspiring work.

1. Gangi from ‘Thakur Ka Kaun’

Gangi is one of the most famous characters of Premchand’s works. 

A dalit woman, Gangi needs a cure for her severely ill husband. In the quest to save her husband, she walks to a wealthy man’s well to fetch water despite not being allowed in that area. She refuses to succumb to societal norms. At the end of the story, the readers are left with the impression that Gangi is full of courage. She, very bravely, took up a task in the dark, despite all the danger.

2. Anandi from ‘Bade Ghar Ki Beti’

Anandi’s portrayal, as the daughter of a wealthy family and then as the daughter-in-law of a poor family, carries numerous shades. Anandi, having been accustomed to a rich lifestyle, finds it difficult to adjust after marriage.

There are certain episodes where she is at the receiving end of a huge fight with her in-laws. Anandi’s strong mindset and refusal to bow down also leads to cracks in the family. The story also focuses on the joint family system and patriarchy. Anandi, however, faces the situation and comes to wise conclusions at various points in the story.

Final Words 

In every form of mens writing, women are seen to be facing every hurdle with lot of difficulties and challenges. And it continues till date. 

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