This paper titled " Exploring Women in Twenty-First Century Indian Fiction: An In-Depth Feminist Analysis of Select Novels" presents a critical analysis of the portrayal of women in Indian fiction written by women authors of the twenty-first century. Through a radical feminist lens, the research examines the representation of women characters in various novels as embodiments of the zeitgeist or spirit of the age. Select Indian English novels are analyzed with a feminist perspective to explore the negotiation of issues surrounding womanhood and patriarchal dominance within the fictional realm. The study categorizes twenty-first-century Indian fiction into three phases– residual, emergent, and dominant culture – based on the representation of women. Through this framework, the paper discusses the portrayal of women as victims within different societal structures, including family, institutions, and society at large. By considering literature as a faithful mirror reflecting societal issues, this research sheds light on the evolving roles and challenges faced by women in contemporary Indian society.
Associate Professor, Department of English, S.D. College, Kaler, Bihar
