The Plights and Persecutions of Women in the Works of Shashi Deshpande

By : Nidhi Kumari

Page No: 1-9

Abstract:
Shashi Deshpande’s fiction shows a compelling and empathetic portrayal of the multifaceted struggles faced by women in contemporary Indian society. This paper explores the plights and persecutions endured by her female characters as they navigate the intersecting forces of patriarchy, tradition, and personal aspiration. Through novels such as That Long Silence, The Dark Holds No Terrors, and Roots and Shadows, Deshpande reveals how domestic spaces often become arenas of psychological trauma and moral conflict. Her protagonists confront emotional neglect, marital discord, societal expectations, and the silencing of their voices, yet they also exhibit resilience and a yearning for self-definition.

By employing feminist literary criticism and socio-cultural analysis, the study highlights how Deshpande’s narratives challenge normative gender roles and expose the subtle and overt mechanisms of female oppression. Her nuanced depiction of inner conflict and moral ambiguity allows for a deeper understanding of the lived realities of Indian women. Ultimately, the paper argues that Deshpande’s work not only documents suffering but also gestures toward empowerment, making her fiction a vital contribution to feminist discourse and Indian English literature

Author:
Dr. Nidhi Kumari: Assistant Professor, Department of English, Rajendra College, Chapra (Bihar).
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/POET.2025.38.02.1