Fatal Consequence of Trauma in Anita Desai’s Cry, The Peacock

Abstract

The major thrust of this thesis is to probe plenty of factors that rendered Maya psychologically traumatized in Anita Desai’s novel, Cry, The Peacock. This study delves deep into the traumatic onslaught that befell Maya; a neurotic, hypersensitive childless woman. It examines the causes and long term effect of traumatic event. It revolves around finding the reason behind the pathetic and unhappy relationship of the protagonist. It attempts to analyze the inner world of Maya and to find out the hidden factors of her neurosis. It has been done through the extensive study of relevant literature using Cathy Caruth notion of trauma and Dominic LaCapra notion of psychological trauma as a tool. Repeated repressed desire is always harmful. Once it is irrupted, the result is unbearable and lack of communication is one of the reasons of downfall of Maya. Maya’s repressed desire and its painful experiences are the main causes of her tragedy. Maya is an example of father fixated girl. Her husband is unable to understand his wife’s feeling, wants and desire. This research has shown the picture of the entire social life of contemporary Indian male dominated society and the position of women. It also identifies the hidden but true nature of the mind of a woman which cannot be understood on the surface level.