From Margins to the Centre: Unravelling the Psychological and Symbolic Narrative of Prakriti in Tagore’s Play Chandalika

Reshu Shukla

doi:10.56062/gtrs.2022.1.4.653

Authors

Reshu Shukla Assistant Professor, Dept of English S.B.D. (PG) College, Dhampur, Bijnor, U.P.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56062/gtrs.2022.1.4.653

Keywords:

Rabindranath Tagore, Chandalika, Prakriti, Psychological Narrative, Symbolic Narrative, Caste Prejudice, Self-discovery, Woman Empowerment, Social Hierarchy, Humanity.

Abstract

This study dives into the psychological and symbolic study of Prakriti, the protagonist of Rabindranath Tagore's drama Chandalika. Tagore confronts prevailing caste stereotypes by shifting the focus from the society fringes to the center, while also exploring the process of self-discovery and empowerment. The analysis emphasises Prakriti's development from a marginalised outcast to a self-affirmed individual by investigating the interplay of psychological complexity and symbolic factors that drive this metamorphosis. The thesis uses a close reading of the text to highlight Tagore's critique of social hierarchies as well as his advocacy for human dignity and equality.

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