BREAKING BOUNDARIES: THE REPRESENTATION OF PAKISTANI WOMEN IN BAPSI SIDHWA’S PAKISTANI BRIDE

Bapsi Sidhwa’s Pakistani Bride (1983) presents a profound exploration of the lives of Pakistani women navigating the complexities of tradition, culture, and gender in a patriarchal society. This article examines how Sidhwa portrays the limitations imposed on women and how they challenge these boundaries, whether through defiance or passive resistance. Drawing from feminist literary theory, this paper analyzes the representation of women’s agency, social roles, and personal identity within the socio-cultural framework of Pakistan. It argues that through her nuanced characters, Sidhwa critiques the structures of patriarchy while also highlighting the potential for transformation and change in Pakistani women’s lives. The study focuses on the central character, Zaitoon, and her journey from submission to empowerment, emphasizing the significance of education, love, and self-discovery as pivotal in challenging the societal constraints placed on women.