பாலகுமாரனின் சுகஜீவனம் புதினத்தில் வெளிப்படும் பெண்ணியச் சிந்தனைகள்: ஓர் ஆழமான சமூக-இலக்கியப் பகுப்பாய்வு

Feminist Thoughts in Balakumaran's Novel Sukajeevanam: An In-depth Socio-Literary Analysis

Abstract

In today's modern literary landscape, feminism is not merely considered a theory but has emerged as a vital tool for reclaiming women's fundamental rights. In the history of Tamil literature, particularly in the realm of modern novels, writer Balakumaran’s contribution is unique. The philosophy put forward by Mahatma Gandhi—that the status of men will rise only when the status of women rises, and only when the status of both rises will the entire human society advance—serves as a primary thread in Balakumaran's works. The novel Sukajeevanam subtly records the complex lives of women in the urban setting of Chennai, specifically within the commercial environment of Sowcarpet. Contrary to common criticisms that feminism is a Western theory encouraging women to break away from the family structure, this novel presents it as a way of life that guides women toward a path of self-respect.

This article analyzes the life struggles of four primary female characters in the novel Sukajeevanam—Sri Ramulu's wife, Gnanambal, Sornam, and Subbulakshmi—from a feminist perspective. It subjects to detailed analysis how the novel handles issues such as women's economic independence, the moral constraints forced by poverty, patriarchal violence, and the freedom they seek to attain through education. Furthermore, it explains how Balakumaran integrates Sangam literary poems and ethical literature into his contemporary narrative to compare the status of women across different eras.