Gender Persecution & Protest Mandate in Meena Kandasamy’s Novels: A Social Hierarchy and Instability

Abstract

Meena Kandasamy’s novel,“The Gypsy Goddess,” serves as a compelling exploration of subaltern voices, specifically delving into the intersections of caste and gender in Indian society. This paper critically analyses the nuanced portrayal of Dalits, particularly women, highlighting their struggles, resilience, and resistance within a complex web of societal norms. Through a multi-narrative structure and authentic language use, Kandasamy’s work challenges readers to confront the entrenched inequalities and reflect on the urgent need for societal change. She addresses language identity, feminism, and the eradication of caste. Her book “When I Hit You: Or, A Portrait of the Writer as a Young Wife” addresses how women in well-educated households are suppressed by patriarchal culture. The narrative centres on an accomplished Indian woman from a wealthy family who marries a reputable university professor. She outlines the feelings a woman experiences as she adapts to the circumstances in the household. By talking more about the conflict in her life, she tries to elevate herself to the level of a woman. She wishes to reveal to the world the humanity of women. She has the discernment to handle difficulties and hostilities without breaking down or becoming upset.