Dynamics of Victimhood and Rebellion: A Comparative Study of Socio-Cultural Constructs in the Works of Anita Desai and Mulk Raj Anand

Abstract

The portrayal of victimhood and rebellion in literature offers profound insights into the socio-cultural constructs of different periods and societies. This paper examines the dynamics of victimhood and rebellion in the works of Anita Desai and Mulk Raj Anand, two prominent Indian writers whose narratives reflect deep socio-cultural concerns. By comparing their representations of marginalized individuals, their responses to oppression, and the broader implications of their struggles, this study highlights the evolution of socio-political consciousness in Indian English literature. The paper argues that while both writers emphasize the conditions of subjugation, their characters navigate victimhood and rebellion through distinct pathways shaped by gender, class, and historical contexts.