Abstract

FEMALE IDENTITY AND THE NARRATION OF HISTORY IN K. R. MEERA'S HANGWOMAN

Anu Shukla

Volume: 7 Issue: 1 2017

Abstract:

This paper explores the intricate process of identity formation through the lens of feminist historiography, or Herstoriography, as exemplified in K. R. Meera's novel Hangwoman. The study examines how the protagonist, Chetna Grddha Mullick, navigates her identity crisis by reclaiming the suppressed narratives of her female ancestors. Drawing on the theoretical frameworks of Homi K. Bhabha, Michel Foucault, and feminist historiography, the paper argues that memory and counter-memory play a pivotal role in reconstructing marginalized histories. Chetna's journey is analyzed as a process of counter-memory, where she selectively retrieves and retells the stories of her foremothers to assert her autonomy and redefine her identity in a patriarchal society. The paper concludes that feminist historiography serves as a powerful tool for reshaping identity, enabling individuals to confront historical silences and reclaim their place in the narrative of history.

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References

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