CHALLENGING PATRIARCHY: A FEMINIST ANALYSIS OF FEMALE EMPOWERMENT IN BAPSI SIDHWA'S THE PAKISTANI BRIDE THROUGH SIMONE DE BEAUVOIR'S THEORY OF 'OTHERING'

Abstract

This study delves into the intricate dynamics of Pakistani society, offering a critical exploration of the identity crises experienced by women as portrayed in Bapsi Sidhwa’s seminal work, The Pakistani Bride (1990). Through the lens of Simone de Beauvoir’s theory of "othering" from The Second Sex (1949), the research examines how patriarchal norms and societal expectations diminish women’s agency and identity. Focusing on Zaitoon, the novel’s central character, the study traces her transformation from passive acceptance of traditional roles to active resistance against patriarchal constraints. Employing qualitative research methods and textual analysis, the research highlights key themes such as identity subjugation, the interplay of tradition and modernity, and the tension between societal expectations and personal agency. Sidhwa’s narrative serves as a powerful critique of South Asian patriarchy, shedding light on the systemic challenges faced by women and the moments of resistance that redefine traditional gender roles. The experiences of other female characters are also analyzed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the novel’s feminist discourse. Findings reveal that Zaitoon’s journey illustrates the broader struggle for female empowerment within a male-dominated society, emphasizing self-determination and agency as crucial strategies for challenging oppression. The Pakistani Bride emerges as a poignant call for societal introspection and transformation, urging the dismantling of patriarchal structures. The study concludes by advocating for further exploration of South Asian literature to uncover diverse strategies of resistance employed by women, enriching feminist literary criticism and pedagogical approaches to gender dynamics in South Asia.