A Study of Marital Relationship in Bharati Mukherjee's Wife and Jasmine

Abstract

The analytical study of the secondary works on Bharati Mukherjee reveals the in depth study of her works majorly with reference to the alienation or strangeness of the protagonist. Whereas, this article aims to examine the operation of the marital relationships and the problems associated with the interpersonal relationships, which has a consequent effect on the lives of the protagonist within the fictional framework. The research also makes an attempt to discuss the various expectations and roles imposed on women characters not only from the outside sources but from within as well, which results in their subsequent disillusionment. The research further deals with the journey of the neurotic mental state of the selected protagonists portrayed through their frustrations and baffled desires, resulting in the final redemption, which leads to the final marital discord. Many psychologists have made an in-depth study of the interpersonal relationship of husband and wife, moving in and out of their marital relationship. While on the contrary, this article focuses to explore the factors, which affects the adjustments and maladjustments in a marriage, which results in harmonious or disharmonious relationships. The article also aims to draw a parallel between the marriage institute of western culture where theory like 'complementary mate selection' is brought in the scenario, whereas, in Indian culture the marriage is still based on 'arranged' basis with elaborated traditional rites. It exposes the contemporary social structure of the modern world, where the need to stay bound in marriage has lost its importance to the happiness of an individual. The overall objective of the article is to outline the cause of the plight of women characters, the expectation and roles assigned to them, the factors involved which affects the harmonious marital relationship and a journey to self-redemption within the fictional framework of Bharati Mukherjee.