Redefinition of Femininein the Poetry of Adrienne Rich and Sylvia Plath

Abstract

This dissertation entitled "Redefinition of Feminine in the Poetry of Adrienne Rich and Sylvia Plath"attempts to show the tension and female experience in the poetry of Rich and Plath as the way to the redefinition of feminine. For the purpose this research work focuses on the feminist theories which mainly talk about the female quality and roles as defined by patriarchal norms and values and regard them as obstacle to the career of women. The poetry of Adrienne Rich and Sylvia Plathevolve from the experiences of being women under male dominated society.The expression of rooted turmoil of their mind not only revolts against patriarchy but also redefines the feminine with the hope to create the new human world in which all women and men can equally exist. By exploring the experiences of women and the tension between personal experiences and political requirements, their aim is to resist against patriarchal domination.Rich asksall women to be conscious of the roles as determined by patriarchy and to overcome them. Plath, who is more aggressive with patriarchal tendencies, shows her disgust with marginalization of women as inferior in patriarchal society. Both the writers have strong resentment towards patriarchal norms and values. These norms and values are always againstwomen's freedom and equality to men, and treat men as self and women as the other. These writers present these values as social constructions not as natural but as male constructed. Patriarchal society has formed such norms to suit the needs and desires of male. In the process of construction, females are totally disregarded and behaved as the commodities to satisfy the needs and wishes of males who are always cruel to the necessities of women. These writers do not focus on the search for identity of women in such society which is always blind to female needs and desires.