Reconsidering Gender Issues and Women's Psychological Dilemmas in the Short Stories of Rabindranath Tagore and Doris Lessing

Abstract

The literary works of Rabindranath Tagore and Doris Lessing are known for their consistent portrayal of the subject of gender and the psychological quandary faced by women. Their short stories offer a glimpse into the struggles of women in patriarchal societies while bringing to light gender inequality and female oppression. The present research article employs content analysis of Tagore & Lessing's short stories "Haimanti," "Shasti," "To Room Nineteen," and "He," which shed light on the limitations imposed on women in 19's Bengal and 1960s London and the catastrophic outcomes of such limitations. These short stories feature marginalized individuals, especially women, who fight with societal norms, struggle with economic instability, face conflict, and isolation, or experience mental breakdowns because of their social status. Using Simone de Beauvour's feminist literary theory and examining the relationship of the female protagonists with their binary opposites, the research article aims to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges women face in both Eastern and Western societies, where they are often entrusted to second sex. The analysis also assures to explore the theme of gender issues and women's mental distress in Tagore & Lessing's selected short stories, which are a treasure trove of insights into the struggles of women in male-dominated societies and offer an eye-opening, thought-provoking, valuable apprehension into the ongoing battle for gender equality. The ultimate goal of this research is to contribute constructively to the present discourse on gender issues and women's psychological trauma, raising awareness and facilitating positive change.