Silent Strength and Subversive Acts: Feminist Interpretation of Pather Dabi (The Right of Way)

Abstract

This research item delivers a feminist interpretation of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel Pather Dabi (The Right of Way), examining the subtle but powerful forms of resistance embodied by its female characters within the context of colonial Bengal. This article aims to analyze characters like Bharati and Sumitra’s journey in colonial India through their silent strength and subversive acts. The research shows that these women move forward to complex social and political landscapes, contributing significantly to revolutionary movements. Bharati’s intellectual prowess and strategic silences, juxtaposed with Sumitra’s behind-the-scenes activism, exemplify diverse modes of female empowerment and defiance. This paper explores the evolution of feminist ideas in Colonial India, illustrating traditional Indian society and Western ideologies converging to redefine women’s roles. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on gender dynamics in early 20th-century Indian fiction, arguing that Chattopadhyay’s sophisticated portrayal of women rises above conventional narratives of victimhood. By putting forward these often-overlooked aspects of Pather Dabi (The Right of Way), we propose a new framework for understanding female influence in colonial-era Bengali literature, one that recognizes the power of quiet rebellion and the lasting impact of women’s contributions to social change.