Published Paper Details:

Abstract This study explores the intertwined struggles of Kali and Leila, protagonists from Perumal Murugan's One Part Woman and Elif Shafak's 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World, who resist patriarchal oppression in distinct yet interconnected ways. Kali's identity is reduced to his reproductive ability, illustrating the rigid expectations of masculinity within his rural Tamil society. His inability to father a child diminishes his self-worth, exposing the limitations of patriarchal definitions of manhood. Conversely, Leila's defiance of societal norms regarding morality, sexuality, and respectability renders her body a site of strict social control. Her journey reveals the systemic oppression that restricts female autonomy under the guise of cultural propriety. By juxtaposing these narratives, this paper examines how patriarchal structures dehumanize both men and women, enforcing restrictive social roles that suppress individuality and freedom. Through a comparative analysis, the study underscores the urgent need to dismantle these oppressive frameworks, advocating for a reevaluation of gender norms that prioritize autonomy and equality over rigid societal expectations. Murugan and Shafak's narratives challenge the conventional constructs of masculinity and femininity, exposing the far-reaching consequences of patriarchal oppression. This paper argues for a broader, more inclusive discourse on identity and self-worth, moving beyond reproductive and moral roles to a more liberated and equitable social framework.