Heterotopias of Illusion: Imagined Representations of Space in Anita Nair’s Mistress

Abstract

This paper proposes a cognitive interpretation of place. The argument is based on the artistic presentation of geographical boundaries in novel that goes beyond social and political control and accepts the ‘desired’ possible worlds. In this paper I will analyse Anita Nair’s novel Mistress and the art of Kathakali on which the structure of the novel is developed. Approaching Mistress, one identifies the work to be an acute combination of visionary narrative and intensely persuasive study into the search for purpose in life and art. The Idealized Cognitive Model proposed by Gilles Fauconnier offers a productive interaction between base space (the reality space) and built space (the desired space). Further his concept of ‘mental spaces’ examining the historical, mythological and emotional blend in the novel. Through Michel Foucault’s heterotopic approach towards society, I will compare and contrast past’ impression on present, man-woman relationship and image of women in Kerala through the novel.