Demystifying the Domestic Zone: Portrayal of Jaya as an Alienated Figure in Shashi Deshpande’s That Long Silence

Abstract

The conjugal zone has been traditionally construed to be a space where two partners can share equal rights and respect. But contrary to this belief, it is part of our observation that women rather than enjoying this space as a haven safeguarding their dignity and identity as human beings, tend to become victims. The space not only marginalizes them but serves to dehumanize them. The present paper, through an in-depth study of Shashi Deshpande’s That Long Silence looks analytically at the institution of marriage and talks about the situations and circumstances that place women in a state of subjugation and suppression. The figure of a woman is idealized and glorified but when it comes to reality the domestic domain which is expected to be a safe heaven and refuge for her turns out to be a space of oppression and subjugation. The marital space that should hold a promise of peace, prosperity, respect, dignity, love and happiness through a shared life together, unfortunately turns out to be an arena where the male will have the utmost freedom and complete authority and control over the female partner. The paper tries to investigate how marriage as an institution has failed to safeguard the honour and dignity of women and offer them their due share and rights in the relationship.