Assignment 2 Feminist Exploration in Kamala Das's 'An Introduction'

 

Name: - Bhavyata Kukadiya 

Roll No: - 4

Semester: - 3(Batch 2022-24)

Enrolment number: - 4069206420220018

Paper No: -

Paper name: - 

Paper code: -

Topic: - Feminist Exploration in Kamala Das's 'An Introduction'

Submitted to: - Smt. S. B. Gardi Department of English, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University

Date of Submission:- //2023

Email Address: - bhavyatakukadiya@gmail.com

 Feminist Exploration in Kamala Das's 'An Introduction'

Table of Contents:

Introduction 

Definition of Feminism

Overview of "An Introduction" Poem

Exploration of Female Identity

Challenges to Cultural Norms

Use of Language and Imagery

Conclusion

Introduction 

Kamala Das is a key Indian poet who came after India got independence. She's made a big impact on modern Indian English Poetry. Her specialty lies in writing about love. What makes her unique is how openly she talks about love, even relationships outside of marriage. In her poems about love, she often focuses on the pleasure of being close to someone intimately, which is a big theme in her work.

Kamala Das, born in 1934 in Kerala, India, emerged as a prominent and controversial figure in Indian literature. Her life, often as intriguing as her poetry, reflects a defiance of societal norms and a bold exploration of female identity. Initially writing in English and later in Malayalam under the pseudonym Madhavikutty, Das's works challenged the conservative norms prevalent in mid-20th century India. Her significance in Indian literature lies not only in her literary prowess but also in her unapologetic exploration of female sexuality, love, and the complexities of human relationships.

"Feminism in literature is about fairness between men and women, trying to change old-fashioned rules that favor men. In poems, feminism means talking about what it's like to be a woman—sharing their thoughts, challenges, and experiences. Poets like Kamala Das use their writing to show how society limits women, giving them a voice to talk about their struggles and dreams.

Das's poem "An Introduction" talks about her own life, showing the tough journey of a woman, like Kamala Das, from her childhood to an early marriage. She doesn't remember her childhood with joy but with some sadness. The poem reflects how women, like her, are treated and what they have to go through. It also shows her feelings of frustration and unhappiness about the challenges women face.

Das writes honestly and openly about women's lives. Her poems talk about love, desire, and how society treats women unfairly. She challenges the idea that women should fit into certain roles. Her poems make us think about things society doesn't often discuss, making her a big name in Indian writing about women's rights.

Definition of Feminism:

 belief in and advocacy of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes expressed especially through organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests (“Feminism Definition & Meaning”)

Dr. R. S. Maurya, “Feminism means challenging the patriarchal canons, deconstructing the phallocentric creative and critical discourse, decoding gender as an organizing principle of experience and relating forms of feminine articulation to changing external circumstances and associations”

Overview of "An Introduction" Poem

The poet starts by saying she doesn't care much about politics, but she can name all the Indian leaders since Nehru. She compares knowing their names to knowing the days of the week or months of the year.

The poet then introduces herself as an Indian woman born in Malabar. She can speak three languages. She has been criticized for writing in English, but she says it is her choice and it is her own unique mix of English and Hindi.

The poet says that her language is a part of her and it reflects her true self. It's like the sound of a crow or a lion. It's natural and it's how she expresses herself.

The poet tells her story. She was a kid, but society said she was an adult because her body changed. She got married at 16 and didn't understand what was happening. Her husband took her to the bedroom and she lost her innocence.

The poet says that her body is a burden to her because of all the pain it has caused her. She feels like she has to be a tomboy to escape the pain.

The poet says that she wants to be an "I" just like men. She wants to be recognized as an individual, not just a woman. She is a sinner and a saint, a beloved and a betrayed, just like men.

Conflict Between Societal Expectations and Personal Desires: The central theme revolves around the clash between what society expects from the poet and her desire to break free from these expectations. Das challenges the norms and refuses to conform, asserting her right to individuality.

"I am not interested in politics, but I can name all the politicians from Nehru onwards. As easily as I can recite the days of the week or the months of the year." (Lines 1-4)

This opening stanza sets the stage for the poem's exploration of societal expectations. The poet's ability to recite the names of all the politicians suggests that she is aware of the expectations placed upon her to be politically engaged. However, she immediately disavows this interest, suggesting that she does not conform to these expectations.

Struggle for Self-Identity: The poem vividly portrays the struggle for self-identity amidst societal pressures. Das grapples with the societal constructs that try to confine her within predefined roles, asserting her unique self beyond these limitations.

"They said, 'Why do you write in English? It is not your mother-tongue.'’(Lines 13-14:)

These lines highlight the criticism the poet faces for writing in English, a language not native to her. This criticism reflects the societal pressure to conform to traditional cultural norms, which often dictate language choices. The poet's decision to write in English is an assertion of her personal choice and freedom of expression, challenging the notion that one's writing must adhere to their cultural background.

Defiance Against Cultural Constraints: Through her words, Das boldly defies the cultural constraints that confine women to predefined roles and expectations. She refuses to be confined by societal norms and asserts her right to shape her own identity.

"My speech is the speech of men, that minds can understand. Not like the trees in the storm or the monsoon clouds or the rain or the dead, whose voices are strange and queer."(Lines 21-24:)

Here, the poet emphasizes her desire to be understood and acknowledged as an individual. She compares her speech to the natural world, suggesting that her language is not meant to be mysterious or inaccessible. Instead, she wants to communicate her thoughts and feelings in a way that is clear and relatable, challenging the notion that women's voices are inherently enigmatic or difficult to comprehend.

Exploration of Female Identity

In the poem, She talks about women's identity. She doesn't like the labels society puts on women. She strongly doesn't want to follow what society tells women to be. Das shows she's being herself, not what society expects women to be. She bravely says no to these labels, showing how complicated it is to be a woman beyond what society thinks.

"Dress in saris, be girl. Be wife, they said. Be embroiderer, be cook, Be a quarreller with servants. Fit in. Oh, Belong, cried the categorizers." (Lines 17-20)

These lines critique societal expectations that confine women to traditional roles, suggesting that women's identities are not defined solely by their domestic duties.

"Often I have toyed with the idea of drowning myself... to be rid of my loneliness." (Lines 42-43)

This line suggests the emotional turmoil that women can experience due to societal pressures and expectations, leading to feelings of isolation and despair.

Challenges to Cultural Norms

In her poem,she strongly disagrees with the usual rules society has for women. She doesn't like how society tells women what to do or how to behave. She refuses to follow the set ideas of how women should act or look. Das stands up against these rules, wanting women to be more free and be themselves, not just what society says they should be.

"I am sinner, I am saint. I am the beloved and the betrayed." (Lines 35-36)

This line challenges the notion that women must conform to a single, idealized image of femininity. By embracing both her positive and negative aspects, Das asserts that women are complex individuals with a range of experiences, not just one-dimensional characters.

"I have no joys which are not yours, no aches which are not yours. I too call myself I." (Lines 37-38)

This line challenges the notion that women's experiences are subordinate to those of men. By emphasizing the shared experiences and sense of selfhood among women, Das affirms their individuality and agency.

Use of Language and Imagery

Das uses strong language and vivid pictures to show how she stands up against society's rules. Her words are clear and sometimes forceful, showing her rebellion against what society expects. The images she creates in the poem are powerful. They show her struggle to be herself despite what society wants her to be.

 For example, when she says,

 "I am sinner, I am saint,"

 She's saying she's more complex than society thinks. Das uses different writing tricks like repeating words and showing differences to make her message stronger. These help her show she doesn't agree with what society says she should be. Kamala Das's clever use of words, pictures, and writing tricks shows her fight against society's rules and her strong belief in being true to herself. Her poem becomes a strong statement about being yourself and breaking free from society's expectations for women.  

Conclusion

In "An Introduction," Kamala Das fights against what society expects from women. Her poem shows how tough it is to be yourself when society tells you how to act. Das strongly says no to these rules and fights to be true to herself. This poem becomes a symbol of her fight for women's freedom. It's not just about her—it represents all women wanting to break free from society's limits. Das's poem speaks loudly about women being themselves despite what society says. It's a powerful message about women's independence and challenges the rules that hold them back, making a big impact on how we see women's freedom and identity in her poetry.

Words - 1730

 

Works Cited

Akhter, Tawhida. “Kamala Das: The Voice Of Indian Woman's Quest For Liberation.” ResearchGate, INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT, May 2013, https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Tawhida-Akhter/publication/337388100_Kamala_Das_The_Voice_Of_Indian_Woman's_Quest_For_Liberation/links/5ea6e8ed299bf1125612a164/Kamala-Das-The-Voice-Of-Indian-Womans-Quest-For-Liberation.pdf . Accessed 25 November 2023.

Deivasigamani, Dr. T. “Treatment of Eco- Feminism in Kamala Das’s Select Poems.” Galaxy: International Multidisciplinary Research Journal, Galaxy: International Multidisciplinary Research Journal, https://www.the-criterion.com/V8/n4/IN02.pdf . Accessed 25 November 2023.

“Feminism Definition & Meaning.” Merriam-Webster, 17 November 2023, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feminism. Accessed 25 November 2023.

Kumari, Arti. “Feminist Voice in the Poetry of Kamala Das.” waoar, Akshara: An International Refereed-cum-Peer-Reviewed, 16 June 2023, https://www.waoar.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Akshara-May-2019-2020-Joint-Issue.pdf#page=62. Accessed 25 November 2023.

Lakshmanan, S. “Untitled.” SDMMMK Mysore, Shanlax Publications, June 2021, https://sdmmmkmysore

.in/department/english/shashikala-r/shashikala-c.pdf#page=169. Accessed 25 November 2023.