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.
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