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VOL. 11, ISSUE 6 (2025)
Breaking boundaries in the emergence of the new woman in Anita Desai’s Clear Light of Day and Margaret Atwood’s the edible woman
Authors
Dedun Nirmabahen Vaksibhai, Dr. Ruchi Thakar
Abstract
This paper delves into the literary construct
of the "New Woman" through a comparative analysis of Anita Desai’s
Clear Light of Day and Margaret Atwood’s The Edible Woman. The New Woman is an
emblem of autonomy, individuality, and resistance against oppressive societal
norms. In these two novels, Desai and Atwood portray female protagonists
navigating the complexities of gender roles and cultural expectations in their
respective societies—postcolonial India and second-wave feminist Canada. While
Bim and Marian, the central characters of each novel, emerge as symbols of
female agency, they each struggle to redefine themselves within frameworks that
seek to constrain their identities. This study highlights the thematic
intersections of autonomy, psychological resistance, social conformity, and the
ongoing battle for self-definition. By examining the protagonists’ personal
growth and societal interaction, the paper explores the shared yet distinct
journeys of self-liberation within these two different cultural backdrops.
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Pages:5-8
How to cite this article:
Dedun Nirmabahen Vaksibhai, Dr. Ruchi Thakar "Breaking boundaries in the emergence of the new woman in Anita Desai’s Clear Light of Day and Margaret Atwood’s the edible woman". International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Research, Vol 11, Issue 6, 2025, Pages 5-8
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