Gender Roles and Social Expectations in The Writings of Nair and Desai

This review article explores the representation of gender roles and social expectations in the works of Shashi Nair and Anita Desai, two prominent Indian authors. Both the authors succeed in depicting emotional and intellectual growth of women with aspirations in the postcolonial boundaries of the contemporary Indian society, discussing concerns of family pressures and the struggles of the gender. Nair’s Ladies Coupe shows the strong women characters who dared reject cultural practices, and for this they were ready to risk it all, Desai’s books like Fasting, Feasting is more of psychological battle of the pressures of gender-imposed culture. Al though both authors write in different time periods, the articles contrast their presentations of female characters analysing their writing methods, evolution of characters and attitudes towards systems present in their societies. Using these reoccurring themes in the context of modern literature and today the review proves the importance and pertinence of these authors in raising awareness on matters touching upon gender roles and societal expectations