FEMINISM ASPECTS IN SHASHI DESHPANDE’S THAT LONG SILENCE (Pages 135-139) by Ms. C. Parimala* and Mr. R. Sivakumar** in THE INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST / ISSN: 2350-1499 (Online); 2350-0751 (Print)

he familiar aspects of post – colonialism can be found not only in history, Literature and politics, but also in approach to culture and identity of both the countries that were colonized and the former colonial powers. In a literary sense, “Post – Colonial” is that which has been preceded by colonization. The second college edition of The American Heritage Dictionary defines it as “of, relating to, or being the time following the establishment of independence in a colony”. It deals with cultural identity matters of colonized societies, the dilemmas of developing a national identity after colonial rule. The postcolonial Indian English Fiction witnesses at least three generation of Indian novelist in English. Shashi Deshpande hailed as an Indian woman novelist of third generation and established the fame in international arena. Indian fiction succeeded to win almost every well – known literary prize in the world. This paper analyses how the protagonist, Jaya visualizes even before her eyes that her dream of married life being shattered to pieces silently in Shashi Deshpande’s That Long Silence. Silence is not only a great strength but also a great teacher to every woman. Hence, attention should be paid to learn its lessons. Though God has given rights to woman, man has failed to understand it. He is not providing equal rights to woman. He is filled with the spirit of male domination. In this male dominated society, woman is supposed to be an ideal wife, a mother and an excellent home – maker with multifarious roles in the family. Being a wife and mother, service, sacrifice, submissiveness and tolerance are her required attributes. She has excessive endurance and makes series of adjustments silently, faithfully and obediently in her life. Hence, silence, faithfulness and obedience are her admired qualities. Her individual self has very little recognition in the patriarchal society. She is expected to be calm and silent for the male dominated activities. Keywords: Post – colonial, Protagonist, Male domination, Patriarchal society.