Volume-II, Special Issue, February 2026
Novel Insights A Peer-Reviewed Quarterly Multidisciplinary Research Journal |
Volume-II, Special Issue, February 2026 |
Beyond the Boundaries: Decoding the Representation of Femininity in The Final Solution and Meghe Dhaka Tara Shrirupa Das, Independent Research Scholar, West Bengal, India Email: shrirupad@gmail.com |
Received: 01.01.2026 | Accepted: 20.02.2026 | Published Online: 28.02.2026 |
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Abstract | ||
The partition of Bengal in 1947 was one of the significant and sudden political and socio-cultural shifts in the twentieth century. The partition also had a profound impact on the lives of the women of Bengal. The struggle of females during this process was much more challenging and depressing as they faced more brutality than death i.e. rape, suppression, violation etcetera. These challenges have been largely overlooked and unacknowledged by mainstream historical narratives. This research paper critically examines how Manik Bandopadhyay's The Final Solution and Shaktipada Rajguru's Meghe Dhaka Tara decode the representation of women through the characters of Mallika and Nita. In The Final Solution the character Mallika stands up against sexual harassment and refuses to be a victim. Through the exploration of Mallika's narrative, the study delves into the theme of social discrimination, emotional torment, and other challenges faced by women during the partition. While the struggle of Mallika is more obvious, the character Nita, in Meghe Dhaka Tara, faced psychological and silent challenges and discrimination in society. Nita represents the class who relentlessly struggle to survive despite all odds. Both the characters, Mallika and Nita, are being marginalized and oppressed by socio-political institutions in the process of their struggle to support their families. This research paper aims to deconstruct the very construction of femininity and challenge traditional gender roles and expectations. It shows that women can be empowered and assertive in the face of injustice and celebrates their resilience in the face of adversity. Keywords: Partition, Crisis, Discrimination, Femininity. | ||