Representation of Gendered Subaltern in Munshi Premchand‟s Pratigya

Abstract

This thesis deals with the representation of gendered subaltern in Munshi Premchand‟s Pratigya. It investigates the suppression and victimization of women from subaltern class and their representation in the novel. Poorna, a widow is misbehaved by her protector Kamala. She being a female as well as a widow is doubly victimized in the society. Sumitra, Kamala‟s wife is suppressed by domestic violence, ill treated by her husband. She is also powerless in economic way. Prema, the daughter of Badri Prasad, is bound to live a forcible marriage life with Dannath because of her family decision and is suspected by her husband instead of her loyal behavior towards him. All these women are suppressed and victimized under the patriarchal code of conduct. After the mistreatment of Kamala, Poorna thinks herself as a sinner and does not want to disclose her identity as she thinks her a fallen and impure woman. Sumitra despite her husband‟s fallen character, wants to live with him because she has no any courage to live alone and is depended upon her husband. Prema, inspite of completing her family responsibilities in very good manner, is suspected by her husband Dannath, and her behavior of collecting donations from so called patriarchal society for widows shows that females have to be depended upon males. The writer presents the idealistic solution of gender problems but, he does not express the practical solution for suppression of women.