Locating Women in the Patriarchal Society Through the lens of Feminist Theory and Criticism

Literature being a microcosm of society is a very powerful and empowering tool. It reflects the socio-political conditions and the existing relations of power in the society. However, it also has power to change the dynamics and destabilize the existing status quo. Literature in this context then, is not only a great tool to educate the masses but also a propagandist tool. Literature through its mesmerising use of language can either make or break a society and this is where literary theory comes in. This paper seeks to examine the role of literary theory in probing, critiquing, unmasking and subverting the constitutive relations between power and forms of discourses. Using feminist theory, the paper seeks to strip patriarchy of its hypocrisy and highlight the marginalised position of women in society so as to critique the so-called 'normative' patriarchal society by examining Sadat Hasan Manto's short story 'Open it' and Eunice De Souza's poem 'Marriages are made'. The role of education in uplifting women from the shackles of patriarchy plays an important role in subverting the power structures. In light of this, the paper will examine the importance of including texts written by women in literary curriculum and most importantly, how language can be used by women to defy the power structures to resist patriarchy and liberate themselves.