Volume-I, Issue-V, May 2025 > Volume-I, Issue-VI, July 2025 > Atmadeep, Volume-II, Issue-I, September 2025
Volume-II, Issue-I, September, 2025 |
Received: 15.09.2025 | Accepted: 23.09.2025 | ||
Published Online: 30.09.2025 | Page No: | ||
DOI: 10.69655/atmadeep.vol.2.issue.01W.177 | |||
রবীন্দ্রনাথের ছোটগল্পে প্রতিবাদী নারী: এক বিশ্লেষণী পাঠ অপরাজিতা ভট্টাচার্য, গবেষক, বাংলা বিভাগ, আসাম বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়, অসম, ভারত |
The Rebellious Woman in Rabindranath’s Short
Stories: An Analytical Reading Aparajita Bhattacharjee, Research Scholar, Department of Bengali, Assam University, Assam, India | ||
ABSTRACT | ||
In Rabindranath Tagore’s short stories, the figure
of the protesting woman emerges as a powerful and contemporary theme. His
female characters are not confined to traditional roles; rather, they challenge
societal norms and assert their independence, dignity, and identity. Tagore
presents these women as individuals with strong inner strength, consciousness,
and the ability to think and act for themselves. The protest of women in
Tagore’s stories is not always external or loud. It often takes the form of
silent resistance, inner confidence, and thoughtful defiance. These women
reject the oppressive customs and expectations of a patriarchal society and seek
to live life on their own terms. Their rebellion is deeply personal, reflecting
a desire for self-respect and the right to make their own choices.
Tagore’s stories highlight two main aspects of
women’s protest: first, the struggle to protect their basic rights and
self-respect, and second, the rejection of unjust social norms. Through this,
he portrays a new vision of womanhood that is independent, intelligent, and
emotionally strong. Several of his stories showcase these themes. In
StrirPatra, Mrinal leaves her husband’s house, refusing to accept the hypocrisy
and oppression of upper-caste society. In Denapaona, the evils of the dowry
system are exposed, where women suffer due to material demands. Haimanti
criticizes the traditional marriage system and highlights the emotional
suffering of a sensitive and educated woman. Shasti shows a woman who silently
accepts injustice rather than support a false social order. Stories like ‘Dui
Bon’, ‘Mahamaya’, ‘Laboratory’ depict women who assert their own choices,
values, and self-worth. Tagore does not limit his female characters to domestic
roles. He presents them as full human beings with dreams, thoughts, and inner
power. His belief that “women’s liberation will come one day; she will open her
own path” reflects his progressive vision. These protesting women are not just
characters—they represent a new beginning, a challenge to patriarchal society,
and a step toward gender equality. Tagore’s portrayal of the protesting woman
is both a literary and social statement. It marks the rise of a new
consciousness where women are not only resisting oppression but also redefining
their place in society with confidence and dignity. | ||
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