The Feminine Voice in Mythology: A Comparative Study of Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s ‘The Palace of Illusions’ and ‘The Forest of Enchantments’

Abstract

This paper explores the feminist perspectives in Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s novels The Palace of Illusions and The Forest of Enchantments, where the author reimagines two of India’s most iconic epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, through the eyes of their marginalized female protagonists. The Palace of Illusions retells the story of Draupadi, portraying her as a complex, independent woman who challenges traditional gender roles and societal expectations. Similarly, The Forest of Enchantments gives voice to Sita, emphasizing her strength, agency, and emotional depth, countering her usual depiction as a passive figure. By comparing these two works, this study highlights Divakaruni’s contribution to feminist literature, as she reinterprets ancient mythological narratives to foreground women’s resilience, autonomy, and inner struggles. The paper argues that through these narratives, Divakaruni asserts the importance of reclaiming and retelling women’s stories, redefining the role of women in both literature and society.