THE TRAGIC REJECTION OF TRADITIONAL ROLES: EXPLORING THE PSYCHOLOGICAL TURMOIL OF DIMPLE IN BHARATI MUKHERJEE’S WIFE

Abstract

Bharati Mukherjee’s Wife presents a profound exploration of the psychological turmoil of Dimple, the protagonist, as she grapples with the clash between traditional gender roles and the pursuit of personal freedom. Immigrating from India to the United States with her husband Amit, Dimple faces an emotional and cultural struggle that highlights the complexities of identity, marriage, and alienation in a foreign land. Her internal conflict, torn between the expectations of wifehood and her desire for autonomy, exacerbates her disillusionment with both her traditional upbringing and her new life in America. Mukherjee’s portrayal of Dimple’s violent rejection of motherhood and her eventual breakdown underscores the tragic consequences of unresolved psychological and cultural tensions. This study examines Dimple’s journey as a critique of the limitations placed on immigrant women, focusing on the destructive effects of emotional neglect, societal expectations, and cultural dissonance.