Redefining Womanhood: Gender Roles and Feminism in Jhumpa Lahiri's Interpreter of Maladies

Jhumpa Lahiri’s Interpreter of Maladies offers a compelling exploration of gender roles and feminism, particularly within the context of South Asian diaspora. This research examines how Lahiri redefines womanhood by portraying female characters who navigate complex intersections of cultural expectations, patriarchal constraints, and personal autonomy. Using feminist literary theory—especially liberal, postcolonial, and intersectional feminism—this study analyzes key female characters such as Mrs. Das (Interpreter of Maladies), Bibi Haldar (The Treatment of Bibi Haldar), and Sang (The Third and Final Continent). The research highlights Lahiri’s critique of traditional gender roles, showcasing how women assert agency and resist societal norms.