Exploring Female Subjectivity A Study of the Select Novels of Indian English Women Writers

Abstract

The discourse of female subjectivity elaborated in the theoretical and a detailed reading of fictional works produced by the Indian English women writers explore how women s self-assessment of their connection with the world has evolved with the passage of time. This dynamic process of defining the relation between the female-self and the world is unique as it proves to be universal as well as time-space-individual specific at the same time. The texts dealing with women s subjective assertions bear some common ideas and experiences in them from which a basic theory can be derived. But, as the concept of subjectivity is greatly related to time, place and the individual, it becomes obvious that some theories and formulations are not sufficient to encompass the enormous volume of such human experiences. Thus, the discourse of female subjectivity is always an ongoing process and includes new aspects of experiences, constantly demanding contributions to re-furnish the ideas regarding women, society and their mutual negotiations. newlineThe idea of subjectivity, formed throughout the centuries, places human being at the centre of its discussion to study one s ever-changing relationship with the world. The emphasis has mostly been put on the power of an individual that tries to defy the external interferences to control the free subjective expression of any individual. It is undeniable that an individual cannot completely ignore the influences of the socio-cultural conditions in which he/she exists. But the discourse of subjectivity keeps faith on the power of intelligence, reasoning, instinct and conscience to overcome the overpowering influence of the socio-cultural norms. Surprisingly, as it has been detected, the subjectivity discourses spare very little space for the discussion about women s subjectivity and their attaining of agency to confront the strict and imposing socio-cultural norms in order to control their subjective responses to the world. newline newline