Published Paper Details:

This research article examines the intricate portrayals of female identity and oppression in Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale (1985) and Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things (1997). Both novels serve as critical commentaries on the systemic constraints imposed by patriarchal structures and societal expectations that strip women of their autonomy. Atwood's dystopian narrative presents a future where women's bodies are commodified and controlled by a totalitarian regime, exemplified through the character of Offred, who grapples with her identity amidst extreme oppression and the loss of personal agency. Conversely, Roy's narrative unfolds in postcolonial India, focusing on Ammu and her twins, Estha and Rahel, as they navigate the rigid caste and gender norms that dictate their lives, revealing the complexities of love and familial bonds in a repressive society. The analysis highlights the significance of female solidarity and the internalized misogyny that complicates women's struggles for agency, demonstrating how women can both resist and perpetuate their own oppression. Through their respective journeys, both authors illustrate the transformative power of love and connection in reclaiming identity and resisting societal constraints. The paper argues that true empowerment lies in challenging patriarchal norms and embracing individuality, regardless of the cultural and historical legacies that shape women's experiences. Ultimately, The Handmaid's Tale and The God of Small Things underscore the ongoing fight for gender equality and the necessity of recognizing diverse identities within feminist discourse, advocating for a more inclusive understanding of women's experiences in literature and society.