Search for Woman's Selfhood in Suicide in Anita Desai's Voices in the City

Abstract

Anita Desai in her novel Voices in the City explores and expounds the suffering of women in patriarchal socio- cultural frame through the female characters like Monisha, Amla, Mother, Aunt Lila and her daughter Rita. Set in Calcutta, the novel highlights the problems, isolation, alienation, distorted marital life and domestic violence of women who eventually lose their selfhood in the society which is heavily run by patriarchal norms and values. The major character, Monisha is dissatisfied with her husband and family and commits suicide. The Major cause of her death is the patriarchy which privilege males and dominates females. Instead of enduring life she commits suicide which is a symbol of her rebellion.