Abstract
The end of last century witnessed increase of a new consciousness about the women’s marginalized position resulting into the birth of women’s liberation movement. Literature as it mirrors society could not remain unchanged by the women’s marginalization in society especially patriarchal society. The post independence period has brought to the forefront a number of noted women novelists who have enriched Indian English fiction by a creative release of feminine sensibility. One of the leading fiction writers of feminist stream Nayantara Sahgal makes gender issues central to her writings. Despite the fact that politics is her specialty, above and beyond politics her novels enclose several things in common. Man-woman relationship, autobiographical bearings, the quest for identity and advocacy for change are some of the common properties of her novels. The work presented in the paper emphasizes on awakening leading to woman liberation.
Keywords: Feminism, Marriage, Gender issues, Liberation
Women Characters in This Time of Morning
In this novel, the portrayal of women characters are shown in a bold way. They eagerly take non-conventional path; they even dare to walk-out from their marriages if they feel not comfortable in their marital life. In her novel This Time of Morning, Sahgal has portrayed modern women who can envision life on a broader canvas unlike the traditional women depicted in A Time to be Happy who cannot think beyond marriage. M.L. Malhotra in Bridges of Literature precisely observes “If Nayantara Sahgal’s women characters have any passion; it is longing to be free, freedom from all restraints in word and deed, being their monomania.”
Two different shades of women characters have been portrayed by Sahgal in this novel; one is flag bearer of older generation while another is from younger generation. Mira who represents first shade, has shown complete devotion for her husband Kailas, while same is not reflected back by Kailas towards her. In contrast, her daughter Rashmi shocked Mira when she bluntly apprised about her willingness for getting divorce.
Rashmi’s Quest for Selfhood
Rashmi fully believes in living the life to the fullest and to cherish it, but her failed marriage saps her energy and enthusiasm for life. Her search for selfhood led her to various places and persons and finally she was able to find her destination in form of Rakesh.
Nita’s Search for Identity
Another character, Nita symbolizes the character who is more pronounced in her search for selfhood than Rashmi. She has her own set of values, different from those imposed by her parents. Having independent attitude with disliking for all establishments, she intends to live life on her terms. Due to strong urge to express herself, she got inclined towards Kalyan Sinha with whom she can share her views very easily and can have space for herself.
Uma Mitra’s Victimization
Case of Uma Mitra also falls under this category who got victimized by such false notions of liberty. Her husband Arjun is too much involved in his official assignments and gets very less time for taking care of her emotional and physical needs. Being deprived of satisfaction from her husband, she turned towards other persons for physical and mental satisfaction.
Thus, Sahgal highlights the women of new generation who look beyond marriage in her novel This Time of Morning with a contrast with older and younger generation.
Works Cited
- Malhotra, M.L. Bridges of Literature. Ajmer: Sunanda Publications, 1971, p 224.
- Yadav, S.K. “Feminism in India and Nayantara Sahgal Exile and Sharpened Sensibility.” Critical Responses to Feminism. New Delhi: Sarup and Sons, ed. Binod Mishra, 2006, p42-43.
- Sahgal, Nayantara. “Women: Persons and Possessions?” The Hindustan Times, Sunday Magazine, 19 July, 1970, p iv.
- Friedan, Betty. The Feminine Mystique. 1963: rpt. Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1965, p68.
- Kanupriya. “Feminist Consciousness in the Novels of Nayantara Sahgal.” New Lights on Indian Women Novelists in English, Vol II. Ed. Amar Nath Prasad. New Delhi: Sarup and Sons, 2004, p47.
- Arora, Neena. Nayantara Sahgal and Dorris Lessing. New Delhi: Prestige Books, 1991, p114.
- Kanupriya. “Violence and Loneliness in Nayantara Sahgal’s Major Novels.” Indian Women Writers in English: New Perspectives. Ed. Sathupati Prasanna Sree. New Delhi: Sarup and Sons, 2005, p 61.