Quest for identity in the novels of Kavery Nambisan

Abstract

In Indian English Literature the central concern of the writers and critics is the image of women. In the pre-Independence era the fiction written by Indian women appeared in the form of short stories. During the last three decades a host of women novelists have appeared on the Indian literature scene. They play the role of a social critic as writers cannot isolate themselves from society, the violence the system and the injustice around them. These writers provide a pattern for consciousness of the contemporary Indian women by voicing out the discontent among middle class women and by creating characters who move from victimization to self-assertion. The women novelists raise questions, suggest reassessment and rethinking and bring about a constructive and healthy change in society. They also help in formulating a consciousness. They have written of Indian women their conflicts and predicaments in present India. The traditional image of women is projected in the earlier novels by Indian women but the portrayal of women has changed with the change of time. The women writers have analysed the position of women and have brought a great change in the portrayal of modern Indian women. newline