A comparative-typological analysis of female characters in Srpouhi Dussap’s Mayda

The study focuses on a typological analysis of female characters in terms of their psychological features and self-identification strategies in the novel Mayda (1883) by Srpouhi Dussap, a Western Armenian author of the second half of the 19th century. Drawing on Lacan’s concept of feminine subjectivity, the author analyzes the complex characters of Mayda and other female characters, namely Sira, Herika, and Houlianee to reveal how a nonbinary female archetype demonstrates the blending of irrational and rational qualities of both the mother and the mistress. This approach highlights female subjectivity and its multiplicity through the Other. The author concludes that the tragedy of female self in Mayda lies within the patriarchal discourse, necessitating women to adopt different roles and masked appearances. This polyphony marks the female prose of the late 19th century through a gender prism. The author declares no conflicts of interests.