Published Paper Details:

The nurturing of a child in a woman's womb occurs in a space untouched by bias or hierarchy. Yet, once gender is ascertained, discrimination and subordination begin to unfold, giving rise to socially constructed notions of masculinity and femininity. Violence against women and the systematic denial of their freedom under patriarchal dominance transcend barriers of class, caste, and religion, demonstrating that gender inequality is a deeply ingrained social reality. Central to women's liberation is the assertion of individuality and the insistence on acknowledgment. Within this context, Meghna Pant, an acclaimed voice in contemporary Indian feminist literature, through her novel One and a Half Wife, portrays the manifold hardships experienced by her protagonist within the domains of family and society. The protagonist's awakening of an inner consciousness and her defiance of imposed restrictions not only reveal the intricacies of women's lived realities but also provide a powerful model of inspiration for those bound within suffocating marital frameworks. This study, therefore, aims to acquaint the pangs and difficulties through which the protagonist resists repression rooted in patriarchal traditions and rigid belief systems, with specific emphasis on the narrative techniques employed by the author, Meghna Pant.