Book Title: Contemporary Research Across Disciplines
Editors: Dr. R. Saravana Selvakumar and Mr. R. Venkatesan
ISBN: 978-81-978738-1-2
Chapter: 4
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/crc4/278
Author: Dr. R. Saravana Selvakumar, Assistant Professor, Department of English, G. Venkataswamy Naidu College (Autonomous), Kovilpatti, Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract
This research paper delves into identity, marginalization, and liberation themes within Kamala Das’s poignant poem, “Dance of Eunuchs.” Kamala Das, a renowned Indian poet, explores the complex terrain of gender, identity, and societal norms through the prism of the marginalized eunuch community. Using a multidisciplinary approach that combines literary criticism, gender studies, and cultural analysis, this paper unravels the intricate layers of the poem. The literature review situates Kamala Das’s work within her broader literary contributions, highlighting her challenge to conventional norms regarding gender, identity, and self-expression. The methodology outlines the critical examination of the poem, focusing on passages that illuminate these themes. The core analysis centers on identity, marginalization, and liberation, exploring the portrayal of the eunuchs’ complex gender identities, their isolation and estrangement from mainstream society, and their moments of self-expression and defiance against societal norms through dance. This analysis underscores the significance of intersectionality in understanding the eunuchs’ experiences, examining the intersections of gender with other aspects of identity such as sexuality and class. Ultimately, this paper provides a comprehensive examination of “Dance of Eunuchs,” contributing to the broader discourse on gender studies and societal norms and inviting reflection on the experiences of marginalized communities and the possibilities for liberation and self-expression in a multifaceted world.
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