Issues Of Womens Identity In The Social Landscape Of Kerala With Reference To The Selected Works Of Lalithambika Antharjanam And Kamala Das

Abstract

The theoretical project chosen for the study focuses on apprehension of the newlinehierarchy in the society of Kerala, where social patterns of beliefs and community newlineplay an instrumental role in designing a subjugated position to women with reference newlineto the chosen works of Lalithambika Antharjanam and Kamala Das. This study newlineexplores how far education and literature help in enhancing women s status in the newlinesociety with special reference to women s identity. It examines the women newlineprotagonists and other characters relationship with their landscape and the struggles newlinewhich they pass through and how eventually empower themselves in the process there newlineby reconstructing their selfhood and redefining their identity. The authors are not just newlineseen as inspired geniuses but examined as people whose lives and works are shaped newlineby social forces. newlineSocial issues, problems and lots of restrictions against women have resulted in newlinewomen s backwardness in Indian society. It studies deep rooted cultural norms, newlinespecified gender roles and society molded to masculine standards. To know one s newlinestate and position in social spectrum is essential and the means would be education. newlineTo analyse or to fight against unfair means of patriarchy one should enhance newlineknowledge about their social systems and their functioning. Lalithambika newlineAntharjanam reveals about the pain and suffering of the namboodiri women who led newlinecloistered life. Kamala Das creates awareness among women regarding male newlinedominance and traditional sex taboos through her works newline