Abstract
In this paper, while building upon Anita Desai’s novel Fasting, Feasting (2013), I intend to explore
how myth-inspired archetypal identity is an antagonistic element to revitalize Indian feminist
representations, discourses and activism. Dwelling on Hindu mythology Fasting, Feasting (2013)
echoes the myth of goddess Uma (Parvati), who is a paragon of sacrifice and self-annihilation, in the
archetypal portrayal of the female protagonist Uma. The intertwined system of myths, archetypes and
feminine identity not only poses a major threat to the individualistic identity of women but also to the
domain of feminist mythopoeia. Building on Carl Jung’s idea of Individuation, this research highlights
that a radical social and literary change demands that women, facilitated by the Individuation process
should recognize that their existence is not restricted to indoctrination imparted by the mythical
persona. The re-vision of Indian feminist mythopoeia can create new and diverse possibilities of
feminist narratives and representations that deconstruct patriarchal institutions such as the androcentric
discourse of Hindu mythology in wake of endorsing Individuated identity of women.
Hooria Liaqat, Dr. Amra Raza. (2020) Revision of Indian Feminist Mythopoeia: An Exploration of Mythological Oppression in Anita Desai’s Fasting, Feasting, Journal of the Research Society of Pakistan, Volume 57, Issue 1.
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