THE GENDER ISSUES IN SHASHI DESHPANDE’S THAT LONG SILENCE: A PERSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

This study examines the representation of gender issues in That Long Silence by Shashi Deshpande, focusing on the psychological and social dimensions of women’s oppression within middle-class Indian society. Deshpande, a prominent voice in Indian English literature, presents a realistic and introspective portrayal of women negotiating patriarchal expectations embedded in marriage, family, and social institutions. Through the protagonist Jaya, the novel explores the internalization of gender roles that demand silence, sacrifice, and emotional restraint from women. The narrative unfolds during a crisis in Jaya’s marital life, prompting her to re-evaluate her suppressed aspirations and compromised identity. By employing memory and introspection as narrative techniques, Deshpande highlights how patriarchal ideology operates subtly within domestic spaces, shaping women’s consciousness and limiting their autonomy. Silence emerges as a central metaphor, symbolizing both submission and resistance. The study argues that the novel critiques the traditional institution of marriage and underscores the need for self-awareness and articulation as essential steps toward empowerment. Ultimately, That Long Silence reveals that breaking the imposed silence is not merely an act of defiance but a reclaiming of identity and voice within a gendered social framework.