Transformation of the Female Self in Paulo Coelho's Veronika Decides to Die

Abstract

The research studies Paulo Cohelo's Veronika Decide to Die by using critical theory of feminism. The protagonist of the novel Veronika struggles for female self in male dominated society. The novel projects Veronika as an experiencer of patriarchal and gender biased society wherein she is affected by rooted patriarchal mentality which is reflected in social practices. Due to domination she is unable to decide her internal desire to be established as an independent identity in the society. Age long practice of patriarchy does not let her come out from moral and social boundaries. Veronika has a sense of freedom which leads her individual freedom but the rooted value of patriarchy confines her in domestic and confined world. She finds dominated position in society and feels restless in society. Having the confined role in society triggers her to extreme decision of death but she recovers it and revives her desire to fight against patriarchy. Dominantly, Simone De Bouviour's theoretical ideas have been applied whose theoretical insight discusses on discourse against women are made in patriarchal society.