Exploring Gender Dynamics in Indian English Poetry: A Feminist Literary Study

Abstract

This research paper offers an extensive exploration of gender dynamics within Indian English poetry. The study adopts a chronological approach, tracing the evolution of gender portrayal from the early to the contemporary phase. The research objectives are to identify recurring themes and narratives related to gender, to compare these findings with existing literature, and to analyze their broader implications. The methodology involves a thematic analysis of selected poems, drawing from various literary periods. The key findings reveal a transformative shift in gender portrayal, from stereotypical depictions in early poetry to nuanced narratives in contemporary works. The study identifies specific themes such as the emerging female voice, exploration of gender identity and intersectionality, evolving portrayal of masculinity, and the depiction of female empowerment and feminine spaces. The findings also fill gaps in the existing literature by identifying new themes such as caste and gender intersectionality and queer narratives. The research has significant implications for understanding the evolution of gender portrayal and feminist discourse within Indian English poetry. It also offers a richer understanding of the gender dynamics within the South Asian context, thereby contributing to the fields of literary studies, gender studies, and feminist theory.