Power Dynamics: Navigating Subjugation and Defiance in Kamala Markandaya’s A Silence of Desire

Abstract

This paper explores the intricate power dynamics within the patriarchal Indian society depicted in Kamala Markandaya’s novel, A Silence of Desire. It critically examines how societal expectations impose constraints on female subjectivity, leading to the suppression of desires and a reduction in personal agency. The research focuses on the character of Sarojini, exploring how she navigates these oppressive structures and employs both conscious and unconscious strategies to challenge and subvert the social norms that curtail her freedom and happiness. By presenting textual evidence, the paper dissects the multifaceted ways in which Sarojini is confined—physically and emotionally—within the patriarchal framework that dominates her life. The study highlights the tension between subjugation and defiance, illustrating the resilience and subtle forms of resistance employed by women in their quest for autonomy and self-expression within a rigid societal context.