Volume II Special Issue VIII November 2022

Name of Author : Mantha Padmabandhavi Prakashrao

Title of the paper : Liberated Women, Social Reality and Shobha De: An Overview

Abstract: Indian literature from the historical times has been causative in the portrayal of contemporary Indian society. The socio- political, economic, household and psychological aspects have been discovered, thus witnessing the shifting Indian social-scenario. Indian literature owes accountability in highlighting the social reality. Several writers portrayed the social reality through their works without suppressing their feelings and emotions. They infact, made and have been making earnest efforts in bringing out the actuality and changing trends of the society. Shobha De is one of the Indian English feminist writers, whose writings are persistently in debate for her free and unhindered expressions. Right from the Socialite Evenings to the Selective Memories, are in controversy either for the sexual politics or sexual encounters in her fiction. Shobha Des first novel Socialite Evenings is a romantic tale of a Bombay socialite and a liberated woman, Karuna. The ambitious middle class girl turns to a self-sufficient socialite. Her second novel Starry Nights is a story of love and lust of a budding star, Asha Rani. Des third novel, Sisters deals with the complexes and psychological problems of the two sisters and their liberated ideology. Sultry Days is the novel of youth and their commitments. Des Strange Obsession deals with the lustful relations of two young women, the lesbians. Snapshots gives an account of the life of new women, their manners and adventures. Des Selective Memory is an autobiography, an excellent source to understand her life. At the end of the novel, Des protagonists either withdraw themselves from the glamour world or the world of illusions or lead a secluded and peaceful life upholding the morals and ethos.

Keywords : Social Reality, Lust, Liberated Women, Sexual Encounters and Degenerating Values.

DOI :

Page Number : 1-4