Analyzing Oppression and Liberation in Female Characters and Patriarchal Control in the Novel ‘’A Thousand Splendid Suns’’: A Feminist Discourse Analysis

Abstract

This research focused on Khalid Hosseini’s novel ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ by the viewpoint of Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis proposed by Michelle Lazar. The oppression and hardships faced by the women in a mole dominated society have depicted in this research. This novel revolves around Afghani society in which women are restricted and have boundaries, and they are not allowed to do whatever they want. There is the element of male dependency. Nevertheless, women are also showing resistance to the oppression and exploitation imposed on them by the patriarchal society. FCDA has been used as a theoretical paradigm in this research. Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis provides details about not only gender issues but also have practical impacts (Lazar, Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis, 2007). Along with this theoretical framework, literary devices are also used to analyze the linguistics features of the novel, that how language is contributing in the portrayal of power and dominance. The objective of this study is to discuss the elements of oppression faced by the female characters in the cultural and historical context of Afghanistan. By using the feministic critical discourse analysis, deconstruction of gender and critical reflexivity has been analyzed within the novel. This research will be significant as it will provide social awareness among the readers