Patriarchal Trends in the Pakistani Bride and House without Windows; Comparative Analysis

Abstract

This research focuses on the exploration of patriarchal trends in the selected novels: Bapsi Sidhwa’s The Pakistani Bride and Nadia Hashimi’s A House Without Windows. Through a qualitative research method, the study examines the ways in which patriarchy manifests and affects female protagonists. The data is collected through close reading method of the novel. The study employed Spivak’s concept as a theoretical framework. The findings highlighted the diverse forms of patriarchal oppression, ranging from physical violence to involve societal constraints. Women's value was found to be often contingent upon external validations, leading to their commodification and reduced autonomy. Furthermore, language emerged as a potent tool, capable of both suppression and empowerment. Family structures, in both the novels stood out as significant patriarchal agents, emphasizing the role of kinship ties in perpetuating gendered norms. Despite these challenges, an undercurrent of resilience was evident, highlighting the indomitable spirit of women continually resisting these constraints. Recommendations for future scholars encompass a varied approach, suggesting inquiries into secondary characters, socio-cultural contexts, cross-cultural comparisons and the role of narrative techniques in amplifying or mitigating the novels' patriarchal themes.

Keywords- Patriarchal Trends, Bride and House, Windows and comparative Analysis