Feministic Shades with respect to Shobha De’s Socialite Evenings

Abstract

Feminism as a movement has had a tremendous impact on almost all the genres of literature. It has enveloped people at large; especially women or to be more precise, women of the 21st century. It is a matter of discussion whether the influence it has exercised can be categorised as positive or negative. But for sure, the transformation with respect to the gender roles in society is notable. Women of today have not only become aware of their rights but are also well informed about the ample opportunities they have in every field. They have empowered and liberated themselves from the age old taboos and shackles.   

Shobha De, a journalist, short story writer and a novelist of recognition like the other inspiring female writers, has also carved a niche for herself in the area of feminist writings. She is famous for her bold style of writings. Her novels are a study in feminism and portray women with liberated mindset. She is realistic and frank in her character portrayal and is often misunderstood as being vulgar in her expressions. In a country like India, when the talks of sex and romance were considered as embarrassing, Shobha De became one of the pioneers of presentation of open expressions in matters related to women, sex and eroticism. It will not be incorrect to state that feminism is a continuous thought which is manifest in almost all the writings of Shobha De. 

Socialite Evenings, presents the life of the protagonist, Karuna, who revolts from the set norms and customs, held by the society in search of her identity. Though Shobha De has succeeded in the presentation of her viewpoint related to the socialite women of Bombay through the character of Karuna, but Karuna, in our opinion cannot be accepted to be an archetype of women liberation, emancipation and independence. The location of Indian woman cannot be discordant with the Indian cultural traditions and important necessary customs.