Volume IV Special Issue II February 2024

Name of Author : Ms. V S Gladio Shilpa Vince

Title of the paper : Shashi Deshpandes The Dark Holds No Terror: The Image of the Indian Woman and Gender Discrimination

Abstract: In recent years, the rise of Indian writing in English to a respected status owes much to the contributions of numerous talented women writers. These writers, such as Gita Hariharan, Anita Nair, Nayantara Shahgal, Anita Desai, Shoba De, Manju Kapur, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, and Kamala Markandaya, have played a pivotal role in shaping Indian English literature. Despite the initiation of novel writing by Indian women in 1875, it was only after World War II that they began producing works of high literary merit. Renowned novelist Shashi Deshpande stands out for her nuanced portrayal of women in contemporary India, as seen in her debut novel, The Dark Holds No Terrors 1980. This feminist author delves into the complexities of societal expectations, gender discrimination, and the quest for identity. Through the protagonist Saritas journey, Deshpande explores themes of self-discovery, emotional and social suffering, and the struggle against traditional norms. The novel serves as a poignant commentary on the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated society, making Deshpande a significant figure in Indian literature.

Keywords : Gender discrimination, Female identity, Self-quest, Emotional suffering, Social suffering and Marital disharmony

DOI :

Page Number : 169-172