Feminine Psychology of the Protagonist in the Novel "Cry, the Peacock" by Anita Desai (original) (raw)

2021, International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research Volume 12, Issue 2, February-2021 ISSN 2229-5518

Feminism till late twentieth century has been regarded as one of the social movements carried out by females across the world for establishing their status quo in terms of equanimity, equality or equity in availing opportunities, but it has also been cross-examined in Indian diaspora fiction for essentializing the feminine gender in society. Hence in view of this changing perspective and perception of females, the concept of womanhood and female psychology is much beyond than social movements and political alliances. The purpose behind this research paper is to differentiate and to point out the same. Further other embedded issues are critically evaluated in this paper, they are-how femininity, femaleness and feminine psychology are integral to the normal and abnormal psychological aspects, and why it is crucial to contemplate upon the same-especially when the author through her writing concerns with precarity and predicament of woman' self-perception. The reference taken here is the protagonist from Anita Desai's novel-Cry, the Peacock (1963), a woman named Maya whose psychological conflicts, despair and hopelessness, that subsequently disillusioned her meaninglessly to an extent of her marital discord, which in a way results towards her tragic end. The study of the protagonist's character establishes a connection between the significance of women psychology and the disastrous consequences that can occur, if the subject is not deeply contemplated upon. Moreover, the study in this paper aims to bring forth critical aspects of a woman's psycho-social conditions that basically builds upon her past and present mental conditions and mindset; Needless to say, in some way such factors evolve the persona of the protagonist-Maya in the novel and exhibit the impact of her childhood and adolescent memories in her later stages of life, even influence her relationship post-marriage. The paper is also critically presenting the impact of the society and people living nearby the character of Maya, who affect the mindset of a woman and her search for support. The analyses will draw upon criticism that she faces, she tries to express by way of her true feelings and emotions, she goes through in her life and thus aim of the study is how Maya the protagonist reflects her intricate mindset in the course of her journey of her life that is portrayed vividly by the author.