Gender and disharmony in Shashi Desphandes that long silence

Abstract

That long silence seeks to represent the plight of women especially Jaya Kulkarni (the main protagonist) in a given social structure, attempting to rigorously scrutinize the portrayed gender roles that impose social norms, expectations and traditions on the grounds of gender discrimination. The research paper presents Jaya's submissive revolt against the constant psychological pressure of male superiority and social conventions. It is submissive because finally she accepts the traditional principle silence and surrendering believing that life has always to be made possible. Deshpande showcase her artistic brilliance that unlocks the complex human relationships wherein women's arduous lives are exposed threadbare with the writer's insightful meanings. This research paper focuses to expose Jaya's inner turmoil and trauma as she seeks to create her own unique identity in the society. She struggles to get solace as most of her questions remained unanswered. But with the passing of time she realizes her own fate.