Dipakkumar Bhatt
The celebrated work form Kundanika Kapadia
has been a landmark not only in the field of translation studies but also in
the feminist literature. The work has won 1985 Sahitya Akademi Award. It has
changed the way women have been treated by the male-dominated society. Purpose
of life is clearly reflected in the life and understandings of the protagonist
Vasudha, who dares to challenge the ways of life. She wants to come out of the
illusionary world that she doesn’t like to live in. She has her own voice that
wants to sing and dance when it wants. The novel is a great example of traditions
and customs seen in Gujarat. ‘Social and Spiritual development’ is the key to
realize the purpose of life and hence the protagonist seems a game changer for
the orthodox values and traditions in which women are not regarded. The questions
posed in the novel like ‘Is woman equal to man?’ Does she have separate
identity? ‘Is she in need of anticipation?’
still remain unanswered, though we live in a gender equality world where
both are considered equal. She seems to raise the concern that a family life
without a woman cannot be complete and hence she should not be treated with
injustice. Mutual trust and respect are being asked by Vasudha and hence the
deep penetration in the novel takes us to the unanswered questions that she
brings forth to our notice. The present paper is an attempt to find out the
quest of the protagonist for the purpose of life and her firm desire to be free
from illusions of life.
Purpose of life, protagonist, illusions
VOL.14, ISSUE No.1, March 2022