GENDER DISCRMINATION IN INDIA AND THE WEST: A READING OF ANITA DESAI’S NOVEL FASTING FEASTING

Abstract

Gender discrimination is a social occurrence where differences are socially constructed on the basis of gender. In this patriarchal society men are considered to be superior to women. Many feminist theorists interpret the phenomena in their various ways. The phenomena have been affecting both India and the west societies. In this different culture women are deprived of social opportunities as we can see in Anita Desai’s novel Fasting Feasting through the two different family experiences. The study is an attempt to compare India with the west. The study also tries to explore the idea of feminism. The novel explores the various gender inequalities between man and women through the all male and female characters in the story. It depicts the same condition of two different Indian and American families in a different way. Both Indian and American families are male dominated. However the rules and systems of gender discrimination of Indian family differ from the ones in American family. As a result both the differences impact on women life. The novel reflects all the ideas through the character of Uma. Mrs. Patton, Melanie, Mira masi , Aruna, Mama and Anamika all these women are the sufferer and they all are born in a world which does not give respect women as individuals. The main purpose of the dissertation is to explore gender discrimination in India and the west. The novel highlights the loopholes of the Indian and west culture, history and also depicts the picture how women suffered physically and mentally in male centred society. This project explores Anita Desai’s way of depiction of gender issues in the both societies through the stream of consciousness of Uma, as long as the complexities of man women relationships. Keyword: Feminism, Patriarchy, culture, Gender discrimination, Indian and American society