Author(s): Somya Joshi

Abstract: The paper aims to highlight the quiet, yet persistent, feminist resistance that can bloom even within the confines of a patriarchal, feudal society. Narrating her life as the wife of a powerful Pakistani feudal lord Mustafa Khar, Durrani lays bare the systemic oppression faced by women in this milieu: physical and emotional abuse, social ostracization, and a denial of basic rights. She speaks out against the sexual exploitation that is rampant within the confines of marriage, wherein women are often treated as only objects of pleasure and are considered to be suitable for childbearing purposes. However, resistance simmers beneath the surface. Durrani's defiance manifests in subtle acts of rebellion – intellectual pursuits, questioning societal norms, and even voicing her discontent to her husband. This defiance, though often silenced or met with violence, lays the groundwork for her eventual escape from the suffocating confines of her marriage. Through her raw honesty and unflinching portrayal of female subjugation, Durrani challenges the status quo and becomes a powerful voice for feminist liberation. Durrani is ostracized from her family and the Pakistani society for speaking out against her powerful husband and encouraging other women to speak up against the injustices they face. The narrative transcends personal experience, offering a glimpse into the collective struggle of women trapped within similar structures of oppression, ultimately urging readers to question and dismantle these systems.

Keywords: Oppression, Resistance, Subjugation, Patriarchy, Feudalism, Exploitation

Article Info: Received: 12 Apr 2024; Received in revised form: 14 May 2024; Accepted: 25 May 2024; Available online: 04 Jun, 2024

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.93.29