Masked Women and Myths in “The Thousand Faces of Night”

Abstract

The term ‘Myth’ has a series of controversies associated with its meaning and interpretation. Myth is believed to be an intellectual creation of ancient man. They are culture specific ideas, beliefs, narratives etc. which are created to enlighten humans of morality, ethics, responsibility, obligations etc. The main focus of the paper would be to employ mythology from feministic perspective. Githa Hariharan’s The Thousand Faces of Night highlights the domination and subjugation of women (i.e. victimhood) in male-centered set-up. The writer opts for mythological stories (Mahabharata and Folktales) as patriarchal discourse to lend voice to the silenced females. It is interesting to note that even in mythological works women are illustrated as subjects/objects of sheer violence. Hariharan claims that woman characters like Mayamma and Devi silently accept all the discrimination, suppression, and protest assertively against the forces of patriarchy are representative of transitional women. More significantly, Hariharan urges for a progressive society where women can exercise their personal space. Through a careful depiction of various myths and folktales, Hariharan wants to project the self-realization and psychological consciousness.

Keywords

• myths
• folklore
• feminist