Recounting Kavita Kane’s Novel Lanka’s Princess Under the Prism of Object Relation Theory

Abstract

This research paper examines Kavita Kane’s renowned work Lanka’s Princess under the lens of object relation theory. Object relation theory, a branch of psychoanalysis, originates from the work of Sigmund Freud’s drive theory. It explores the concept of ‘objects’ as representation of people. It is a psychodynamic approach, which emphasises how early childhood experiences particularly their interactions with their parents or caregiver shape an individual self and their relationships in future. It posits that early childhood experiences and interaction are crucial for the development of one’s character. Psychoanalysts specify that caregivers and other figures in the infant’s life are termed as ‘objects’. Meenakshi internalises her father as a good object and her mother Kaikesi as a bad object. Further her ego splits into Surpanakha  due to severe, chronic emotional neglect from her own mother and by the domination of her elder brother Ravan. Meenakshi has been reduced to the state of victim by Ravan who uses his dictatorial dominance as power tool to oppress her dreams. All her life Meenakshi battles and retaliates against her abuser Ravan that leads to depersonalisation and self-inflicted death.