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Womanhood As Contrasted To Feminism In The Works of Kamala Das
Mary John Sajeev

Mary John Sajeev, Research Scholar, Saifia College of Arts and Commerce, Bhopal (M.P.), India.
Manuscript Received on August 11, 2014. | Revised Manuscript Received on August 12, 2014. | Manuscript published on August 15, 2014. | PP: 41-48 | Volume-1 Issue-1, August 2014. | Retrieval Number: A0194081114
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© The Authors. Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering and Sciences Publication (BEIESP). This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

Abstract: Literature serves as a medium for honest self expression for women. Women find literature the most expressive form of art which is true to women’s experiences. Literature emerging out of female impulses helps to achieve cultural androgyny. It attempts to create a new social order founded on humanistic values. It provides role-model is which instill a positive sense of feminine identity. Literature that depicts female characters involved in activities which are traditionally not feminine hastens the dissolution of rigid sex roles. It provides a new sense of community, a sisterhood, fostered on female-female relationships. It helps in consciousness-raising. Literature achieves this by providing realistic insights into the female world and into the psychological and physical aspects of woman hood. Feminist literature, which appeals to the common feelings of insignificance and alienation of women, offers solutions to women’s problems. She is often ignored and her, creative talents are seldom recognized. The female writers think and feel alike the world over. They depict and offer solutions to the problems of life from a female point of view. Feminist scholarship originates and participates in the larger efforts of feminism to liberate women from the structures that have marginalized women. Major portion of literature has been written from the male point of view either by ignoring or suppressing woman’s point of view or else by subverting it intentionally. Feminists examine experiences of the women from all races, classes and cultures. The traditional images of women as an evil force, a temptress, an inferior being, and as an impediment in man’s spiritual path have been totally discarded in favour of a more human, egalitarian image mainly due to the efforts of the feminists and the male humanists. Kamala Das is one of the most popular poets of India who have gained space even in the West. As a feminist, she attacks the convention- ridden society. Her attacks on senseless restrictions and conventions plead for the liberation of her sisterhood.
Keywords: Literature Serves as a Medium for Honest Self
Expression for Women. Feminists Examine Experiences of the Women from All Races, Classes and Cultures.