Unveiling the Feminine Psyche: A Karen Horneyan Analysis of Draupadi in The Palace of Illusions

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s The Palace of Illusions presents a re-envisioned Draupadi, examined through a feminist lens concerning the character's psychological conflicts. This research employs Karen Horney’s Feminine Psychology to evaluate Draupadi’s character, emphasising her defiance against patriarchal conventions and her quest for self-actualisation. Draupadi’s journey reflects these psychological conflicts, as she directs her life through forced marriage, humiliation, and her desire for independence. Ultimately, the novel portrays her as a woman striving to assert her identity beyond societal expectations. This paper argues that The Palace of Illusions not only reconstructs Draupadi’s story through a feminist lens but also aligns with Horney’s vision of female self-actualisation. By connecting mythological fiction and psychological theory, this study gives a deeper understanding of Draupadi’s identity, mainly contributing to feminist literary criticism.