Published Paper Details:

Under the pretext of protection and safety, women have historically been confined to circumscribed spaces both physically and psychologically. This systemic restriction has resulted in a deep-rooted internalization of patriarchal ideologies, conditioning even women themselves to perceive femininity as inherently frail and dependent. The subjugation of women, manifesting across social, cultural, and ideological spheres, has been a recurrent motif in diverse literary traditions. The present article offers a critical exploration of the complex gender politics in A Quest for Freedom, the English translation of Sweccha, a seminal Telugu novel authored by Volga. Through a close textual analysis, this paper discusses how the narrative articulates resistance to entrenched gender norms, exposing and interrogating the structures of power that sustain gender inequality. Volga's narrative deftly engages with feminist concerns, offering a layered portrayal of women's struggles for autonomy and self-definition within a patriarchal milieu This paper situates A Quest for Freedom within the broader corpus of feminist literature, emphasizing its significance as a transformative text that contributes meaningfully to contemporary discourses on gender and social justice. Through its nuanced depiction of female subjectivity, resistance, and emancipation, the novel offers critical insights into the dynamics of gender politics. In analyzing Volga's narrative technique and thematic emphasis, the article aims to deepen scholarly engagement with feminist literary production, while interrogating the prevailing societal constructs that continue to shape and limit women's lived experiences.