Social Reflections in Indian English literature

Abstract

The analysis examines how gender intersects with caste, class, and the effects of globalization in shaping women’s identities and experiences in these. Through the exploration of works by prominent Indian authors such as Arundhati Roy, Kiran Desai, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, Jhumpa Lahiri, and others, this article highlights the complexities of women’s roles in both traditional and modern contexts. While contemporary Indian literature has increasingly foregrounded feminist themes, the depiction of female agency remains often constrained by patriarchal and societal expectations. The article argues that the representation of women in these novels reflects the ongoing negotiation between tradition and modernity, with female characters asserting their agency, questioning cultural norms, and resisting oppressive structures.