Intersection of religion and patriarchy in Bapsi Sidhwa’s An American Brat

Abstract

Sidhwa’s An American Brat explores Feroza’s individuality and freedom by opposing the restrictions and barriers constructed by religious cum patriarchal systems, which are also backed up by female herself like Zareen. Sidhwa tries to expose the condition of Third World women through the characterization of Feroza, who assimilates herself with the American culture realizing her own culture and religion as the prime hindrances for her freedom and identity. Dealing with the then socio-political circumstances, Sidhwa tries to represent the faded condition of women. Nevertheless, she successfully draws the conflictual journey of Feroza from timidity to self assertion. Feroza prioritizes her career over her safe family settlement proposed by her parents. Thus, Sidhwa wants to convey her message regarding the consciousness of identity, individuality and freedom of women that the opportunities like education can enhance in developing their personality even in the detrimental social conditions.