AN EXPLORATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE MALE PERSPECTIVES AND FEMALE PSYCHE IN THE MAJOR NOVELS OF GITHA HARIHARAN

Abstract

Githa Hariharan is a well-known Indian novelist who is noted for her thorough analysis of societal themes, notably gender and identity. This research dives into the complicated tapestry of gender dynamics that can be found within the major works of Githa Hariharan. She deftly explores male perspectives and the female psyche, often in opposition of tension with each other. Her male characters frequently embody societal norms or struggle to break free from them, while her female characters navigate internal and external battles for autonomy, identity, and voice. The purpose of this article is to undertake an exploratory analysis in order to investigate the manner in which Hariharan's books show masculine perceptions in contrast to the feminine psychology. It examines the intricate relationships that exist between her male and female characters, drawing attention to the patriarchal institutions that have an impact on the way they interact with one another as well as the psychological conflicts that her female protagonists may be experiencing. The narratives written by Hariharan frequently feature women struggling to fulfill their personal ambitions, as well as the expectations of society, as well as the limitations that are imposed by modernity and tradition. When it comes to the psychological and emotional landscapes of her female characters, the study focuses on how Hariharan employs these character dynamics to critique and question conventional gender stereotypes. This provides a comprehensive knowledge of the landscapes that her female characters inhabit. Furthermore, the research investigates the ways in which male characters either keep up with or challenge the patriarchal standards that have an effect on the lives of the women in their immediate environment. The purpose of this paper is to uncover the subtle and overt ways in which Hariharan articulates the struggles and resilience of women in the face of a patriarchal society. This will be accomplished by examining the interplay between male and female perspectives in novels such as The Thousand Faces of Night (1992), The Ghosts of Vasu Master (1994), When Dreams Travel (1999), In Times of Siege (2003), Fugitive Histories (2009),and I Have Become the Tide (2019). The findings add to a more comprehensive knowledge of gender discourse in modern Indian literature and give insights into the ways in which writing may function as a vehicle for social change. By examining both male and female characters, the analysis highlights how Hariharan uses myth, storytelling, and cultural narratives to critique traditional gender roles. Her male characters often embody societal expectations, while her female protagonists confront the constraints of patriarchy through introspection and resistance. The study reveals how Hariharan’s use of myth not only reimagines the past but also envisions new possibilities for gender relations making her work a critical contribution to contemporary feminist literature.