A Feminist Understanding of Gloria Whelan's "Homeless Bird"

Abstract This paper offers a feminist analysis of Gloria Whelan’s novel “Homeless Bird”, exploring the themes of identity, resilience, and empowerment in the context of Indian culture and society. Through a critical examination of the protagonist Koly’s journey, this paper argues that Whelan’s novel presents a powerful portrayal of female agency, resistance, and transformation. By analysing Koly’s experiences of abandonment, exploitation, and ultimately, self-discovery, this paper demonstrates how “Homeless Bird” challenges patriarchal norms and offers a vision of feminist empowerment and liberation. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the intersections between gender, culture, and identity, and highlights the significance of Whelan’s novel as a feminist text. Keywords: Family, oppression, poverty, empowerment, social justice