Breaking the Silence: Sita’s Journey of Transformation Through Repressed Memories in Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s The Forest of Enchantments

In Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s The Forest of Enchantments (2019), repressed memory plays a crucial role in Sita's emotional and psychological transformation, a character traditionally depicted as the epitome of devotion and sacrifice in the Ramayana. In this retelling of the Ramayana, Sita’s journey is shaped by the memories she consciously and unconsciously suppresses, particularly those linked to her trauma, betrayal, and societal expectations. This research article explores how Sita’s repressed memories—ranging from the trauma of her exile and the Agni Pariksha (trial by fire) to the emotional pain of her separation from her sons—serve as catalysts for her empowerment and self-realization. Through recollection, Sita confronts the buried pain and injustices she has endured, allowing her to reclaim her narrative and redefine herself beyond the confines of her traditional role. Divakaruni’s portrayal of Sita as a complex, introspective woman demonstrates how repressed memory can serve as both a psychological burden and a path to healing. This research paper suggests that Sita's transformation depends on her ability to face and accept these repressed memories, which in turn challenges the sexist limits imposed on her identity. The paper concludes by emphasizing the transformative power of memory as both a personal and collective tool for challenging historical silences and redefining female agency in contemporary literature.