The Tension between the Family Tradition and Individual Freedom in Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake

Abstract

The emergence of female writers in the current literary sphere is quiet inevitable. In their works, the female writers explore various women-centered issues like Feminism, gender discrimination, nostalgia, marginalization etc., with powerful character portrayals. They loudly knock at the door of the world and the world looks back with enthusiasm. With their elegant style, enthralling storytelling, many women writers overtake the men of letters. Feminism is one of the most important subject matters today. Feminism is a doctrine advocating social, political and economic rights for women equal to those of men. It is an attitude favoring the movement to eliminate all types of discriminations against women. It is a collection of movements and ideologies aimed at defining and establishing equal opportunities for women in education, employment and all walks of life. Feminists have worked to protect women and girls from domestic violence, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. Feminist theory aims at understanding gender inequality and focuses on gender politics, power relations and sexuality.