Volume II,Special Issue, April 10, 2026
Volume-II, Special Issue, April, 2026 |
Received: 17.03.2026 | Accepted: 20.03.2026 | ||
Published Online: 10.04.2026 | Page No: | ||
DOI: 10.69655/atmadeep.vol.2.specialissue.W. | |||
আশাপূর্ণা দেবীর “প্রথম
প্রতিশ্রুতি” উপন্যাসে লোকজ উপাদান
অঙ্কিতা
গুহ, ছাত্রী, বাংলা বিভাগ, কল্যাণী বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়, কল্যাণী, নদিয়া, পশ্চিমবঙ্গ,
ভারত |
Folk Elements in Ashapurna Devi’s Novel “Prothom Protishruti” Ankita Guha, Student, Department of Bengali, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal, India | ||
ABSTRACT | ||
Ashapurna
Devi’s Pratham Pratishruti (1964) is widely recognized as a landmark in
Bengali feminist literature. Set against the backdrop of late nineteenth and
early twentieth-century Bengal, the novel presents a nuanced portrayal of a
society undergoing significant transformation, marked by deep-rooted
conservatism and shifting values. The central character, Satyabati, embodies a
strong sense of self-respect and individuality as she struggles to assert her
identity within the intertwined spheres of family and society. Her journey
reflects the broader condition of women negotiating autonomy within a
patriarchal framework. A distinctive feature of the novel is its rich use of
folk elements, which not only construct the socio-cultural environment but also
reveal the psychological and ideological structures of the time. Rituals and
ceremonies such as marriage, annaprashan, birth, and upanayan are depicted not
merely as cultural practices but as mechanisms reinforcing patriarchal norms.
Values like obedience, tolerance, and modesty are repeatedly imposed on women
through these traditions, limiting Satyabati’s freedom. Everyday folk culture food
practices, dress codes, taboos, and beliefs further illustrates the control
exercised over women’s lives. Practices such as dietary restrictions during
pregnancy or reliance on traditional healers highlight the intersection of
belief and gendered discipline. The use of colloquial language, proverbs, and
rhymes adds authenticity while reflecting social hierarchies and cultural
identity. Festivals like Dol, Durga Puja, and Nabanna symbolize both joy and
gendered responsibility, emphasizing women’s unpaid labor. Thus, the novel uses
folk culture not only to depict reality but also to critique the structures
that shape women’s oppression and resistance. | ||
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