Feminist Issues in Kavippithan’s Short Stories

கவிப்பித்தன் சிறுகதைகளில் பெண்ணியச் சிக்கல்கள்

Abstract

In Indian society, the major obstacles that prevent women from attaining their rights and freedom are social institutions and practices such as family, marriage, culture, and religion. Through these institutions, the patriarchal society subordinates women, relegates them to an inferior position, and perpetuates their oppression. Furthermore, patriarchal forces determine how women should behave and function at every level of society, imposing restrictions on their lives. In his short story Thulirppu, Kavipithan portrays the plight of Chandra, who is expelled from her marital home by her husband and mother-in-law on the grounds that she is “maladi” (a barren woman), as she has not conceived even after eight years of marriage. The people of the village also turn against Chandra, reflecting the patriarchal mindset prevalent in society. Similarly, in the short story Kalabali, Shantha’s husband poisons his healthy daughter in an attempt to save his physically ill son. Even after learning the truth, Shantha remains powerless to oppose her husband’s cruel act. Through these narratives, the present study highlights how patriarchal society oppresses women, exercises dominance over them, and deprives them of their agency and freedom.