Gender Role as Performance in GhanashyamKhadka’sNirvana

Abstract

This research analyzes Ghanashyam Khadka’s novel Nirvana from the perspective of gender role as performance and female masculinity. It examines the social construction of power, femininity and gender roles corresponding between sex and gender identity. The characters show their performances through masculinity and challenge the conventional gender roles. The major thrust of this research is to examine how female characters have challenged the stereotypical patriarchal system where women are tagged as inferior, feminine, and fragile. In addition, it also analyzes how female characters establish their identities possessing confidence, assertiveness, and independence. Using Judith Butler’s theory of gender perform ativity where everyday action, gestures and representation, and behaviors challenge the prescriptive and proscriptive approaches of sex, sexuality, and gender. In addition,masculinity is exhibited through the perspective of Judith Halberstam’s theoretical concept of Female Masculinity, where female characters Dipti, Monica, Savita, and Aaryaa act like male characters and establish their identities.Finally the analysis proves that the novelistis against the imposition of gender roles and identities by patriarchal society. Also, this research emphasizes how a woman can perform like a man. It also suggests that masculinity is not the sole property of male. Masculinity is the social position that can be practiced in an individual way. Keywords: Gender performativity, Female Masculinity, Femininity, Agency