Volume V Issue III July-September 2025

Name of Author : Dr. Ravi Rani

Title of the paper : Feminism in R.K.Narayans novels: A comparative study of R.K.Narayan and Shashi Desh pandes Women Characters

Abstract: Feminism, originating in the West, is influenced by works like Henrik Ibsens The Dolls House and George Bernard Shaws Candida, both of which had lasting effects in the late 19th century, and have significantly impacted literature and the world. The organization is gaining public acceptance for its efforts to promote womens socioeconomic and political rights, addressing traditional social environments and raising awareness about women who have faced extreme persecution and abuse. This movement acknowledges the Indian context and encourages women writers to volunteer their support. Indian feminists have remained strong and sought a New Woman to break out of the maledominated society, where gender discrimination is prevalent. They have tirelessly fought to address patriarchal issues in India and abroad, highlighting the current denial of womens right to selfdetermination by existing patriarchal regimes. R.K. Narayans works, such as The Dark Room, The Painter of Signs, and Mr.Sampath, explore themes of emancipation and privatisation. These works, like Grand Mothers Tale, reflect the current literary community and offer valuable insights into the world of literature. The paper highlights the unbending and merciless behavior of women characters like Savitri, Shanti, and Dasie, who have been abused through subversion, torture, and suffocation to combat inflexible masculine rule. It also reveals that some women have been mere puppets in their husbands hands, desperate to escape. Indian society encourages women to voice their grievances.

Keywords : Feminism, gender discrimination, subversion, Indian society

DOI :

Page Number : 12-17