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Unmasking Oppression: A Beauvoirian Analysis of Gender Dynamics in Bapsi Sidhwa’s Pakistani Bride
Nida ul Zafar
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DOI:10.17265/2159-5836/2024.03.009
Southwest University, Chongqing, China
Delving into the intricacies of Pakistani society, this study offers a poignant exploration of the profound identity crises experienced by women, as depicted in Bapsi Sidhwa’s seminal work, Pakistani Bride (1990). Sidhwa’s narrative serves as a compelling lens through which to examine the multifaceted challenges faced by women within the patriarchal confines of Pakistani culture. Through the character of Zaitoon, Sidhwa adeptly navigates the intersections of tradition, patriarchy, and societal expectations, shedding light on the marginalized status of women in Pakistan. Employing qualitative research methods and drawing upon the theoretical framework of Simone de Beauvoir’s Second Sex (1949), this study delves into the nuanced complexities of female identity formation within a male-dominated society. Key themes such as identity subjugation, patriarchy, and the clash between social and traditional boundaries are meticulously analyzed. This research not only offers a critical examination of Sidhwa’s narrative techniques but also serves as a potent call to action, urging societal introspection and advocating for the empowerment of women in Pakistani society.
identity crisis, patriarchy, social and traditional boundaries, male domination
Journal of Literature and Art Studies, March 2024, Vol. 14, No. 3, 239-246
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