Tracing Feminist Consciousness in the Novels of Sudha Murty

Abstract

Sudha Murty’s novels are known for their simplicity and moral values, but they also reflect a quiet yet steady form of feminism. Her stories question patriarchal traditions and highlight the strength and agency of women. This study explores how feminist ideas develop in Murty’s novels and how her character’s deal with the pressures of tradition, modernity, and socio-cultural expectations. By placing her works within the larger context of Indian feminist literature, this research shows how Murty contributes to shaping new ways of understanding gender in contemporary fiction.

Research Objectives

1. This paper examines how gender norms shape and limit women’s autonomy.


2. It explores how Sudha Murty’s female characters challenge social expectations and redefine femininity.


3. It examines changes in the way women’s roles and agency are portrayed in her novels.


4. It investigates the intersection of tradition and modernity in her portrayal of women’s lives.

Research Methodology

This study uses descriptive and qualitative methods to explore the topic. It includes a detailed analysis of both primary and secondary sources to gain a thorough understanding. The selected novels are carefully examined to meet the goals of the research.

Findings:

1. Sudha Murty highlights women’s resilience and agency within Indian cultural contexts.


2. Her protagonists balance tradition and modernity, shaping feminist consciousness through daily struggles.


3. Her novels enrich Indian feminist literature with clear critiques of gender inequality and social norms.