Exploring the Feminist Psyche in Contemporary Indian English Novels: A Postmodernist Perspective

Abstract

This paper explores the intersection of gender and identity in contemporary Indian literature. It draws on works that examine feminist themes, postmodernism, and intertextuality. The paper emphasizes the significant contributions made by Indian women writers to the global literary canon, while also engaging with various feminist perspectives, such as intersectionality and cultural feminism. The analysis addresses methodological challenges in feminist criticism and the ethical considerations inherent in such critiques, shedding light on how Indian English novels have responded to and transformed patriarchal norms. Using contemporary feminist thought for analysis, the discussion underscores the evolving nature of the feminist psyche in Indian fiction, positioning it within broader discourses of globalization and power dynamics. Key works referenced in this analysis include Sunita Banerjee’s "Gender and Identity in Contemporary Indian English Novels," Jaspreet Kaur’s "Women and Identity in Indian Fiction," and Shashi Deshpande’s "Contemporary Feminist Novels in India." These texts, among others, provide the foundation for the exploration of how Indian literature navigates gender, power, and identity in a postmodern and feminist context.