Representation Of Women In Marathi Short Stories (1950–2025)

Abstract

This study examines the literary representation of women in Marathi short stories spanning seven decades from 1950 to 2025, analyzing the evolution of female characterization, narrative techniques, and thematic concerns through feminist literary criticism. The research explores how women characters have been portrayed by both male and female authors, investigating the shift from traditional stereotypes to complex, multidimensional representations. Through close textual analysis of representative short stories across different periods, this paper identifies three distinct literary phases: the conservative portrayal period (1950-1975) characterized by idealized domesticity, the feminist awakening period (1976-2000) marked by resistance narratives, and the contemporary intersectional period (2001-2025) featuring diverse women's voices. The analysis reveals significant transformation in narrative perspectives, characterization depth, symbolic representations, and thematic exploration. Key findings demonstrate evolution from passive, suffering female characters to autonomous protagonists who challenge patriarchal structures. The study employs feminist literary theory to decode gendered power dynamics embedded in narrative structures and examines how women writers have subverted male literary traditions to create alternative imaginative spaces. This research contributes to understanding Marathi literature's role in articulating women's experiences and advancing feminist consciousness in Maharashtra.