Representations of Femininity: Society, Identity and Literature

The patriarch involves all the instincts of fatherly dominance that creates an environment where man emerges as institution, hegemony, power, and thus an oppressor at all levels of life. Literature in English has been an instrument to present the true picture of the gendered atmosphere. But, with the rise of feminine theories and strict efforts of female authors, there emerges a change in the position of women in society and it provides a psychological freedom from all the oppressive patriarchal restraints. A movement began by the prominent feminists like Mary Wollstonecraft, John Stuart Mill, Margaret Fuller, and later Virginia Woolf make an affirmative approach for all the female authors of the ages around. Later on, all the female authors address the position and role of women in society highlighting the representation of women in all the spheres of life. The literature by these authors takes the stream of consciousness to the stream of achievement by their adventurous and bold attempts.
“The essays in Representations of Femininity: Society, Identity and Literature offer feminist interpretations of culture, patriarchy, society, individuality, identity, marriage, sexuality, and motherhood. These essays utilize Indian, African, and Western perspectives within the broad definition of feminism and suggest possible directions for future feminist scholarship.”
Nancy Topping Bazin
Eminent Scholar and Professor Emeritus Old Dominion University; Norfolk, VA; USA
“I appreciate the efforts of Dr. Ajit Kumar and Dr. Baliram Gaikwad in compiling this anthology of women authors. Representations of Femininity: Society, Identity and Literature will be an essential and timely addition to the work of women writers from many parts of the world.”
Bapsi Sidhwa
Contemporary Novelist of English