Volume III Special Issue II February 2023

Name of Author : S Sheeba Kumari, Dr. T Manason

Title of the paper : Patriarchal Despotism in Mahesh Dattanis where theres A Will

Abstract: This paper explores the patriarchal despotism of a business man through his will. It has portrayed the undemocratic nature of man who repulses a woman, be it wife, daughter-in-law or mistress. The plot of the play revolves around Hasmukh Mehta, a terror for the members of his family when alive as well as when dead. Even after his death there is no relief for them, for he hovers around them as a ghost. Despotism is an unlimited power often uses to suppress the women unfairly. Hasmukh always boasts that he is a self-made man. Dattani exposes the loveless patriarchal life which is meaningless. Dattani frames that love, sympathy and affection are needed in ones life. Each family members have their own self-identity but they lost it because of Hasmukh Mehta’s dominance. When he becomes ghost, he realizes that his dominance had led him to be a victim of his own decisions. The will for dominance is short lived where the interpersonal relationship among the family members brings out peace and dignity.

Keywords : Despotism, Undemocratic, Hovers, Dominance, Interpersonal, Dignity.

DOI :

Page Number : 35-39