Emerging of ‘New Woman’ from Gender Bias Discrimination in Preeti Shenoy’s “The Secret Wishlist”

Abstract

The portrayal of women in Indian writing has been a topic of interest for scholars and readers alike. This paper focuses on Preeti Shenoy's novel "The Secret Wish List" to highlight the excellence of her writing and to explore new areas of Indian writing in English, particularly in the realm of humanism, fiction, and feminism. The novel depicts the struggles of modern women, such as Diksha, who must sacrifice their wishes and aspirations to maintain their family's dignity in a male-dominated society. It shows how women are forced to live in submissive and frustrated conditions, unable to make decisions for their own lives. However, the novel also emphasizes the power of individual agency, as Diksha takes her own decisions and embarks on a journey towards independence and fulfillment. The character of Vibha serves as an inspiration for Diksha, motivating her to make positive changes in her life. Overall, the paper offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing discussions on the representation of women in Indian writing, highlighting the importance of exploring new dimensions of this rich literary tradition.